Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reject the assertion that the withdrawal of Garda services from smaller Garda stations is in any way associated with an increase in crime. In fact the figures state the opposite - there has been a decrease in crimes against property. I assure Deputy Murphy O'Mahony that the focus of investment in personnel is critical and the Garda Commissioner informs me that 15 newly-attested gardaí have been assigned to the west Cork division since the reopening of the college. The Deputy will be aware of the moratorium on Garda recruitment which was introduced in 2010, which resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. I am committed to a rebuilding programme, in terms of numbers and facilities. Personnel are important but we have also made available some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT, some of which has been expended in the Cork area, and €46 million for new Garda vehicles, which are important in the context of the Deputy's question, which referred to 105,000 people spread over an area of 100 miles. These investments, along with increased personnel, will facilitate the provision of a more effective policing service. I have no doubt that the new resources coming on stream will produce an increase in Garda visibility in west Cork.

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