Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I totally agree with Deputy Finian McGrath on community policing. It is part and parcel of what is being done by the force. It has a significant role in crime prevention, community relations and gardaí knowing how to divert young people who may be creating minor difficulties from going on to creating major difficulties or a life of crime.

On the retirement issue, the legal position as I understand it - if I am wrong I will communicate with the Deputy - is that a member of the force can give three months' notice in advance. There are occasions when members seek to retire with less notice and the Commissioner tends to agree to that. However, we cannot have a rule that notice should be a year in advance because people's circumstances and health change and one has to give some degree of latitude. It is in consideration of the members of the force that there is some degree of flexibility. It is important to retain that flexibility but it is an issue that can be addressed at the end of the year.

The specific role of the Go-Safe vans is to discourage people from speeding and save lives. This is why one can identify on the Internet where they are situated. There has been a substantial reduction on road deaths over the past four years, to which the vans make a contribution.

The Courts Service software is being put in place. I do not have a final date as to when it will be up and running. There is legislation that provides for attachment of earnings regarding fines and the software is being geared to cater for this. I hope to see it up and running in 2013.