John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I thank Mr. Purcell for his response, but I have one tiny question. At a time when we are closing banks and post offices and abolishing town councils, particularly in rural areas, the closure of Garda stations is significant for communities that have lost a great deal in the past year. The Department needs to present this carefully as more effective and better policing and reassure the public that the changes will allow for and result in better policing. When people hear that the Garda station is closing they think of one thing - no police. The issue needs to be carefully presented and explained to the people. Sometimes the Garda Síochána is not great at explaining those issues. It is quite focused, and the Department does have a role.