Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While I acknowledge that there are more gardaí and that new recruits are going into Templemore, which was closed for a number of years, officers are also retiring. One of the key commitments within the new model of policing is that there would be greater civilianisation of functions in the Garda Síochána. How much of that will happen?

The Minister mentioned rural areas. He represents a rural constituency. We do not see these civilians in rural Garda stations. They are to be found in the divisional headquarters, not ordinary police stations. If people are to have confidence in this new model, they need to see those resources. The Minister stating that more money than ever is being allocated does not deliver that to ordinary people when they have a problem. I spoke to a person who had difficulty with someone lurking near their property and acting suspiciously. The individual in question rang the Garda but it was almost three hours before somebody arrived. That is the problem we have in many rural areas. They want to have the confidence that when they look for a garda, he or she will be there. While I understand that the Minister is doing his best, somehow his best is not delivering for the people. Perhaps a little more than his best is needed.

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