Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with and support the plan to invest further in An Garda Síochána. That will have the support of the whole House. My concern, which is shared by many Deputies, is that we will see a reduction in services as a result of the Labour Court recommendation. The Minister has already indicated that this will cost approximately €50 million. Regardless of whether the proposal is going to be accepted, we need to know where the money will come from. I presume the Department is making plans for where it will come from. As a result of the Minister's response, I do not know where the €50 million is going to come from. Will it be taken from other sections within the Department? Will the Minister ask the Cabinet for further funding for the Department in response to the Labour Court recommendation? I urge her to ensure the policing services that the people of this country are anxious to see improved are not threatened as a result of the requirement to increase Garda wage payments.

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