Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

It is important that the Deputy realise that, if savings are to be affected, they will be necessary. We must reduce public expenditure in 2012 by a minimum of €3.6 billion to meet our EU-IMF requirements. In the context of my Department, I must identify savings that can result. The Garda Commissioner, as the person in charge of the Garda and making operational decisions, must identify appropriate savings. Having said this, we are anxious to ensure that front line services are maintained and that local communities are properly protected.

The substantial review that is under way is considering how to recalibrate the manner in which the Garda operates to provide the protections necessary to local communities and to ensure that those who seek to engage in unlawful behaviour and those who prey on the elderly in rural communities are given no quarter. These issues are part and parcel of the consideration of the approach to be taken. This is one of the reasons I mentioned that, in circumstances in which it may prove necessary to close some small local rural Garda stations, it is essential that appropriate Garda patrols are available to provide the necessary protections. Unfortunately, we no longer live in an environment where if savings are affected in one area, the money saved can be spent in another area.

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