Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before us. I am very grateful for the opening statement, which is very helpful in framing the discussion. I want to touch on a few issues. I have a very short period of time to cover the ground but in particular I want to speak about the roster, mental health and well-being and associated supports. I want to touch on the Garda allocation model for districts throughout the country in light of the Commissioner's appointment to his role. Has he amended this in any way? Is it still solely based on the crime statistics that are presented?

The additional budgets being provided for Garda staff are very important. There is an imbalance in the number of gardaí versus the number of support staff. There are not enough support staff with regard to the professional services they can provide.

I compliment the Garda Commissioner on resolving the Data Protection Commissioner's issue with PULSE. That is an important milestone. I remember I was here when that issue arose, and it was problematic to say the least. There was also an issue that arose from our previous discussion with representative bodies, which was that training and continuing professional development, CPD, was being carried out on their own time. I thought that was peculiar, and perhaps Mr. Harris could address that. I know it was covered in the media at the time. This is ongoing updates on legislation and other such matters, and whether it is being carried out on a garda's own time, which I find peculiar. If there is time I also want to touch on the review of recent protests and the security of Members of the Oireachtas. Of course, the most important aspect of this conversation is the security of members of An Garda Síochána themselves, with the report of more than 600 incidents of assault. That is notwithstanding the passage and implementation of legislation that will support gardaí. Perhaps the Commissioner could touch on the roster and allocation issues, and we will see where we go from there.