Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

My question was specifically about the Garda stations. I note that the Tánaiste is not giving the House any assurance that those Garda stations will not be closed.

Last night, the "Prime Time" television programme showed the degree to which people throughout the country are very apprehensive. This is a problem of fear. People are afraid. One of the things which would alleviate the fear is an assurance from the Government that their local Garda station will not be closed down.

There is a recommendation that small Garda stations in villages and local communities throughout the country should be closed down. The Tánaiste should categorically rule out the closure of those Garda stations. I see the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is providing the Tánaiste with a prompt to do so.

I appreciate that there is a financial difficulty but where is the sense in closing 350 Garda stations to make a saving of €1 million. One could save €1 million by abolishing two ministers of state-----

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