Mr. Drew Harris:

With regard to implementation, we will come to the Border divisions last when we are certain about how the model works. We recognise this in the period we are entering, with Brexit firmly on the horizon. I also give an assurance about the capacity of An Garda Síochána in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. The divisional headquarters will be well situated in the region. We are conscious that that division, with the Sligo and Donegal division, is policing the Border. Depending on what happens with Brexit, it could also be an international border for the European Union, something we have to factor in too. We have to factor in the various demands that have been talked about, including the threat mentioned by the Deputy and also organised crime. We have to address the issue of how secure people feel to ensure they will not feel raiding across the Border can happen. We will continue to work closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in that regard. It will include joint operations on either side of the Border, all of which are set to continue.

The Deputy mentioned incidents in Derry. When such incidents happen, we are always quick to respond on this side of the Border, in County Donegal, to make sure we support the PSNI. It would be the same across the Border. People expect this of us. I offer the Deputy assurance about the numbers we will have available. We have divisions which are responsive and focused on local delivery. We will also be there as an organisation, both at regional and national level, to support them with additional resources, including specialist resources. People have expressed concerns, but they should be set against what happens. The division will have a dedicated detective superintendent to oversee the investigation of crime. It will have a detective inspector appointed to the protective services unit to oversee the investigation of crimes against the vulnerable, including domestic abuse, serious sexual assault, child abuse, etc. We will bolster the number of inspectors and sergeants and free up officers from many administration tasks. Our focus will be on delivery of the local policing plan. There are many positives which should be set against the merger of the divisions.