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

I assure the Deputy that the Commissioner notes what happens in these Houses as it relates to the Garda Síochána. His management team is concerned about any requests made here and takes them into account. I also assure the Deputy that working with communities to tackle public disorder and reducing anti-social behaviour remains a key priority for the Garda Síochána. Garda visibility is very important and the Government remains committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen the community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. The joint policing committees have a big role to play in this as well. They facilitate consultation, co-operation and discussion and they bring matters to the attention of gardaí at a high level locally, local authorities and elected local representatives. This active and constructive engagement is very important and should be encouraged and supported.

At the heart of the concerns expressed by the Deputy is the relationship between the communities and the local gardaí. That is very important. The Programme for A Partnership Government underlines the importance of community policing in responding to the concerns and expectations of urban and rural communities. The Government is fully committed to implementing that commitment and over the last few years, unprecedented resources have been made available to ensure that the Commissioner and his management team have the resources necessary to deliver a modern policing service to communities throughout the country, including the Togher district.

The Deputy can rest assured that the Garda Síochána will have noted to debate this evening, as it notes all these debates, and will make its decisions independently, as it is mandated to do.

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