Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

All sides of the House agree on the importance of the community garda. I agree with Deputy Carey's suggestion that there be a dedicated rank but I welcome the Minister's comment about the type of activity of a community in which the garda is on the beat, in and of the community, engaging with its members.

The Minister said that there are approximately 900 dedicated or practising community gardaí. Has his Department, in conjunction with the Commissioner, set targets? We can improve that number. I would like to see a target of 12% or 12.5% by the end of next year or the following year. Will the Minister and the Commissioner commit to having a target for community gardaí? The feedback from communities is that the presence of community gardaí will foster and enhance the mutual trust and confidence between the gardaí and the public. I welcome the Minister's initiative.

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