Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to take a moment to add my words of condolence to the family of Rory Kiely, who passed away, and also to the family of Seán Calleary, whom we lost last week. I extend my condolences to their families and to the Fianna Fáil Party. There will be a time in the future when we will be able to give more lengthy tributes to those two men who gave great service to our country and our politics.

I thank Deputy Michael Healy-Rae for raising this important issue, which I know is of great concern in south Kerry. I agree with him that south Kerry is surely one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and, indeed, the world. I will long remember my days as Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport and being able to spend a lot of time in Kerry and experiencing the beauty of that particular county.

I am of course aware of the brutal murder of Mr. Robert Elston, who died after receiving serious stab wounds following an altercation in Cahersiveen on 23 May, and the Minister for Justice and Equality has briefed me on the matter. I understand the Garda immediately mounted a full investigation that has led to an individual being charged and brought before the courts. The Deputy will appreciate that as it is now a matter before the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment much further on the matter. However, this reprehensible act destroyed a family and has, understandably, left the community of Cahersiveen and wider south Kerry in complete shock. I know the House will join me in extending our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Elston. As the Deputy mentioned, a large public meeting took place in Cahersiveen on 5 June, with members of the community coming together to voice their concerns, particularly in light of recent events. I understand members of An Garda Síochána were also in attendance to listen to the contributions.

The Government remains committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the necessary resources to tackle all forms of crime in our communities, including in south Kerry. Approximately €1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda for 2018, which will lead to investment in new equipment, whether it is information and communications technology, cars or other vehicles. It also means we will have 600 more gardaí than when this Government of Fine Gael, the Independent Alliance and Independents came into office. The manner in which those extra gardaí are to be deployed is of course a matter for the Garda Commissioner and it is up to him to decide where superintendents, inspectors and gardaí should be located. The best people to determine such matters are the gardaí who provide the services.

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