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

I take the points made by Deputy O'Callaghan and he is absolutely correct in his analysis. There have been very significant changes relating to training and supervision over the past two years. Supervision is now much more carefully built in. This is particularly the case in respect of new recruits but we need to see it throughout the force. It has been difficult for An Garda Síochána with the recruitment being stopped and with the gaps that there are in a variety of areas, including specialist areas. Supervision and management have been difficult because of staff shortages. It is no excuse but we need that situation to develop and with the new recruitment and investment, the force will be in a better position to make sure that happens. There have been significant changes in training, which are also extremely important. Work has already begun on the role of sergeants.

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