Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is speaking out of both sides of his mouth on that issue. Juvenile liaison officers are working closely and successfully with local communities on youth diversion projects. The number of gardaí has increased over recent years. We hope the strength of the force will increase from 14,200 to 14,900 next year. If that happens, there will be scope to employ more juvenile liaison officers. That is ultimately an issue for the Garda Commissioner, however, rather than for me.

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