Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

We knew the Minster had the report as the Commissioner was with us this morning. The one thing he did say is that there are not 240 stations recommended. Can the Minister give us the overall amount?

Many local communities have the information. They seem to know that their station is on the list, for whatever reason. There is much genuine concern within rural communities, although the Commissioner made the point that he has not just targeted rural stations. There is also an issue in respect of the visibility and presence of a Garda station and what it does to deter crime.

The Minister made the point this morning at the committee that some stations on the list have been closed for 30 years, but they are in the minority. There are many viable stations on that list which are currently providing a service. In view of the way in which the criminal model is changing, the way in which they have greater access to different parts of the country, I would like the Minister to be very considerate of the impact of closing Garda stations in certain areas.

The OPW owns the properties to some extent, but the money for investing in these properties comes from the budget of the Department of Justice and Equality. No savings will be made to the Department if these stations are closed, but the OPW will make the savings. Why are we dismantling a Garda service to serve another Department's budgetary wants?

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