Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I concur in respect of the divisional model. There is no logical way that you could put urban Dundalk in the same policing framework as rural Belturbet or other parts of Cavan and Monaghan.

I concur with that.

The purpose of the operating model has been described as being intended to enhance the service the Garda provide to the public. As I am sure the Commissioner is aware, if we had virtually any other rank than the witnesses before us, they would tell us that is not their experience and it does not seem to be the experience that is relayed to us from the public. All of the correspondence we received on the operating model indicates that the connection between the guards and communities has been weakened. We could give many anecdotes but the most recent example I received today relates to a man who had a personal possession stolen in Laytown. He went to Laytown Garda station, which was closed. He then went to the next nearest Garda station in Duleek and it was closed. He had to go to Ashbourne, which is 30 miles away, to make a complaint. I understand that an email is then sent to Duleek. Such examples are not efficient and do not inspire confidence in members of the public in the new model.