Mr. Drew Harris:

Yes. I noted what the Deputy said carefully.

The organisation is still growing. In Tipperary the resource figure is 447. There are resources that we have to grow. Taking out some of the administrative centres will free up personnel. Therefore, there will be a growth in the number of personnel.

The geographical size of some of the divisions is an issue, but at the same time I am not expecting the chief superintendent to answer calls. Our resources will be dispersed geographically throughout the divisions. Therefore, gardaí and sergeants will be available to answer calls for assistance and community policing. What we are gaining is the ability to enhance community policing and our response to crime, including domestic abuse and serious sexual assaults. Also, we will be able to create efficiencies. Therefore, there will be more policing, not less. Perhaps there might be a lot less access to the chief superintendent, but there will be superintendents available. There will also be inspectors with community policing responsibilities and additional inspectors and sergeants. There will be an additional 75 inspectors and an additional 150 sergeants. It is good to be able to apply the additional supervision and support to this model. People in Tipperary will see an enhanced, not a diminished, policing service.