David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Once again, on behalf of the Tánaiste, I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter in the House. As I mentioned, the Policing Authority has, in accordance with section 117(2) of the Garda Siochána Act 2005, formally requested the Garda Siochána Inspectorate to examine the dispersal and use of resources available to the Garda Siochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities and to make recommendations to provide a more effective, visible and responsive policing service. As Deputy D'Arcy knows, the Garda Síochána is very professional in the carrying out of its business. In addition, the Tánaiste has asked the Garda Commissioner to identify for reopening six Garda stations that were closed under the district and station rationalisation scheme. Work is underway on both of these initiatives and the Tánaiste looks forward, with interest, to their completion.

In the meantime, the Government is fully committed, in line with the programme for Government, to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing of every community, including the most minimal response times possible. I am sure that note will be taken of the Deputy's comments this evening. This commitment is underscored by the Government's accelerated recruitment programme and the ongoing major investment in the Garda fleet and the ICT infrastructure of An Garda Síochána, which will facilitate the provision of high-visibility and mobile policing services to communities. Taken together with the ongoing Garda modernisation and renewal programme, these measures will better equip An Garda Síochána and facilitate the provision of a 21st century policing service that fully meets the expectations of our communities.

Once again, I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and assure him that I will convey his views to the Tánaiste.

See this speech in context