Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On page 98 of the programme for Government, in the section on building on successes of rural and community policing, there is reference to an effective urban and rural policing plan, with a particular focus on what the Government has highlighted, and with which I agree, in the context of the importance of community policing. Will the Tánaiste provide an update on the progress in recruiting community police throughout the country? There are large swathes of Ireland, both within and outside Dublin, that do not have any community gardaí. I commend the focus the Garda has had over the past week with the 80-strong team targeting rural crime gangs with some success in County Meath. It is something to be welcomed. If the Tánaiste speaks to people in rural Ireland they are still incredibly concerned about the lack of Garda presence in their area. What plans does the Government have in place right now to build on some of the successes in rural policing and, more importantly, to focus on community policing in areas where there are no community gardaí?

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