Mr. Drew Harris:

I thank the Senator for his representations. I want to give some assurance about how we see the Clare and Tipperary division. We have yet to come to a final determination on where we will have the divisional headquarters, but I have listened carefully to the representations made in that respect. Wherever the headquarters is located, I am absolutely determined to ensure the superintendents, particularly those who are community focused, will be dispersed geographically.

As far as is possible I will also be asking for the detective superintendents to be dispersed. The chief superintendent will not be sitting in a corridor with the four superintendents in the next offices. They need to be dispersed.

Second, when deciding on the command structure of any of these divisions, we take local characteristics into account. We take account of critical infrastructure such as airports, the crime profile, the population profile, major events and the tourism profile. Those things are all under consideration. I note the increase in supervision which we have had already in the form of sergeants and inspectors. Supervision will be increased further as we appoint a further 150 sergeants and 75 inspectors. We will have plenty of supervision and command on the ground, including operational command and tactical command. We will also have additional numbers. We have described those already. I refer to the increase in the overall size of the organisation, as is evident today. Including Garda members and Garda staff, we are larger than we have ever been. Our numbers are set to increase further. I am also determined to ensure that we maximise our overall impact, including community policing, the work of the divisions and the work of national units. A lot more will happen over the next two years. I hope that reassures local communities about our presence, our command and control of these various situations, and our ability to respond to events such as a presidential visit.