Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to talk about the new divisional model. As the Commissioner knows, I come from Louth. Many people there are very concerned about the new changes. Will Louth and Monaghan lose their divisional headquarters to Mullingar? This question is often asked. Will sufficient resources be available to cover the whole expanded area?

Will local Garda districts still be headed by a superintendent?

As the Commissioner knows, we have had a fair bit of trouble in the past few years, with two gardaí in County Louth being murdered. However, we have great confidence in the way the system is being operated. With Brexit, all we hear in the news is that the PSNI has asked for hundreds more officers and that it is getting them. Has the Garda Commissioner asked for extra resources? I was disappointed to read in the national newspapers in recent days that the overtime bill had increased by 20%. Much of it may be due to the visit of the President and the Vice President of America. There is talk that there is an extra €15 million to €20 million for overtime and that the Garda is expected to take it out of its current budget. As I said from day one, I offer my full support to the Garda. The Commissioner has a good team and I think they are doing everything right. I grew up in Dundalk and know, having seen what happened there, that nobody wants to see the Troubles come back as a consequence of Brexit. We can all see what is happening in Derry. The Border is more than 300 miles long. Even in County Louth, it runs from Cullaville to Omeath. There are nearly 50 border crossings and in recent years many small roads have been built along it. Much good work has been done. I know of the Commissioner's connections with the PSNI. The Garda and PSNI have worked well together for a long time. Nobody wants to see the United Kingdom leave the European Union, but there is uncertainty. Things are fine and people do not like to see changes, but they are concerned about the new divisional plans.