Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I begin by extending my deepest sympathy to the Donohoe family. It is a sad night for this country, for the Donohoe family and for the extended families. I am pleased to have an opportunity to speak on this motion. Before the last local elections, the then Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government established joint policing committees to give Members of the Oireachtas, local councillors, community representatives and senior Garda officers an opportunity to meet to discuss the main local policing issues. The closure of local Garda stations is a hot topic at these forums at present. At these meetings, it is interesting to hear senior gardaí explain why this is happening across many parts of Ireland. Opposition parties see this as a great opportunity, especially as the next local elections are less than 70 weeks away. Their candidates will be groomed to articulate the fears of local communities.

See this speech in context