Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I could respond to the Deputy in a number of ways. When one examines exactly what is happening in policing in the Dublin area, one will see that the number of public order offences is down by 7% in the south central, Pearse Street, area and 19% in the Store Street area. I see these figures as reflecting a broad positive trend. We do not want to alarm people unnecessarily, but we want to make the appropriate policing and operational decisions in respect of the points the Deputy raised. I have discussed these issues with the acting Garda Commissioner and I am confident these decisions are being taken on an ongoing basis.

Given the investment the Government has made, I would describe budget 2015 as a breakthrough budget for the justice sector because it provides for the first year-on-year budget increase since 2008. It is important to acknowledge that we have put money into policing. We have 300 new recruits, the first since 2008. In the period 2012 to 2014 we have allocated €414 million more than the Deputy's party in its national recovery plan. These resources will make a difference in giving the acting Garda Commissioner the opportunity to deploy more gardaí, as appropriate. I am confident that she will do this as the new recruits become ready for duty.

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