Mr. John Twomey:

We need to remember one thing about the operation of the armed support unit in Dublin. It is supplemented by the national units based at Harcourt Terrace Garda station. The special detective unit and the emergency response unit provide dedicated resources in support and that support is provided around the country. As the Commissioner stated, there is a work plan and timeline in place to extend and increase the resources available to the armed support units in all of the regions. A 24-7 presence will be provided.

Additional resources will also be provided in the southern region to Cork and Limerick. We had one passing-out parade in May from where additional resources were provided. Those additional resources, including cars, firearms and training, will continue to be provided between now and the end of this year and the first quarter of next year. There is considerable investment at the moment and what is proposed is regarded as meeting existing demand. We keep this under ongoing review and continual assessment. If there is a need for additional resources, those are provided.