Mr. Drew Harris:

That question opens up a number of facets, one of which is our ability to recognise demand and how demand is changing.

I point to the new computer-aided dispatch programme and process we are putting in place which will give us a far greater handle on from where calls are coming and what the demand is. Sometimes population growth does not mean that demand will increase in proportion with it. Populations can be quite settled and law abiding. It does not necessarily flow that we need to provide resources.

The Deputy raised a point about overtime. Much of it is concentrated in critical areas. Inevitably, it has meant a greater concentration in the city, but we have had to readdress it because of the feuds in counties Meath and Louth.