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

I repeat that it is important that gardaí be allocated to where there is an identified strong need. We are accelerating recruitment but it will always be a finite resource. Where communities are working together, it is obvious that they need a garda. However, a whole-of-community response is important, with, for instance, tradespeople, business people and taxi drivers all working together. I have increased the funding available and doubled it for the likes of Macra na Feirme, Crimestoppers and voluntary organisations working on text alert and various other schemes. That is important as well. I believe that what we need more than anything is a mobile and responsive police force that can respond with alacrity to calls from the public and that can prevent and interrupt crime.

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