Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It ill behoves the Minister to cite what was done by previous Governments. In 2010, when he was Opposition spokesperson on justice, the Minister stated: "We presently have 14,500 members of An Garda Síochána and it is of crucial importance that the number be maintained". He went on to state that a reduction in this number would "obstruct the battle against crime" and said "I predict that tonight drug gangs will be toasting justice minister [Ahern]". The latter will also be drinking a toast of thanks to the Minister, Deputy Shatter-----

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