Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister and her officials are welcome. Accusations have been levelled at her this week about her lack of contact or engagement with the communities affected in the wake of the riots. Would she like to address that?

As regards Garda resources, this is all about boots on the street. We all want to see more of that, and I welcome the intakes into Templemore. The cynic in me, however, would wonder about bringing a class in the day after St. Stephen's Day, 27 December. How does one not arrive at the conclusion that that is purely a mathematical exercise to keep up the numbers? It seems cynical to me, and I would like the Minister to address that.

Extending the Garda retirement age to 62 years has been talked about for some time now. Does the Minister have a date as to when that will come in?

The other issue is that this year we are on course for 150 members of thereabouts retiring or resigning from the force. We need to address that. It is all fine and dandy getting people to come in the front door, but if they are looking out the back door before they are due, we have a problem there and we need to address it.

In light of the unprecedented events of the past two weeks, has the Minister met the Garda staff associations and, if not, when does she intend to do so?