Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I am firmly committed to supporting the Garda Síochána in prioritising operational front-line policing. This commitment is very much reflected in the Government's programme for national recovery which sets the objective of ensuring administrative duties are carried out by civilian staff to free up highly trained gardaí for the prevention and detection of crime. It also calls for a higher priority to be attached to community policing and, within available resources, for a higher Garda visibility in those local neighbourhoods worst affected by anti-social behaviour. It also recognises that the threat posed by criminal terrorist groups cannot be underestimated, a threat made very real by the callous murder of PSNI Constable Ronan Kerr, to which I have referred, and pledges to foster the continuing strong relationships between the Garda and the PSNI.

The Government's programme recognises and supports front-line policing. The programme also emphasises the importance of public sector reform. In that regard, I note that the Garda has drawn up a reform action plan under the Croke Park agreement. A key aim of this plan is to implement a revised roster system to more closely match the availability of Garda personnel with fluctuating policing demands. This is exactly the kind of practical reform that has the potential to enhance front-line policing and it will have my full support.

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