Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy asked me two questions, one of which was on headquarters. I assure the House the regional headquarters have been decided by the Garda Commissioner and his team having regard to a number of factors, including population, geography, projected growth, crime trends and the workload in various streams. The Deputy also asked whether I have confidence in the new plan. I very much do have confidence in it. It has the support of the Government and I must acknowledge the support of most parties here in the House. We have been speaking about Garda reform for decades. We now have it and I urge communities and Deputies to embrace the plan and support it. The Government will resource it.

I agree with Deputy Kenny when he says he is from a rural constituency. So am I and so is the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Policing plans and practices in these areas are different from the plans and practices that may be required in Deputy O'Callaghan's constituency. We need to acknowledge this.

I will draw on the remarks made by the Garda Commissioner last week at the joint committee. The plan will involve a greater level of activity on the part of the Garda Síochána at local level.

The Garda Síochána is a growing organisation and it enjoys record levels of funding. I hope the latter will continue to be the case after next week's budget.

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