Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Garda, through the report we received today from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is doing everything it can in that area to track down the murderer and also the individual involved in the abuse of children. In a few other cases in the region last week the Garda investigation is continuing. I am not sure if the Deputy is aware that a substantial number of gardaí not only from that area but from the special units were involved in trying to track the murderers. They were not only from Swords or the north county area.

At all times the Government has to ensure the demands of the Commissioner, in terms of more gardaí, more overtime and more specialists and equipment are met. The directing of numerical strength into areas is an operational matter for the Garda. The analysis of the number of gardaí required is a matter in which the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda are involved all the time. Proportionately for our population the number of gardaí on active duty at a given time and in overall numbers is high.

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