Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The record allocation to the Garda Vote will continue into the future. I have every confidence in the Garda Commissioner and his team to ensure the best use of the funding allocated. The new model means more sergeants and inspectors in communities. It means less bureaucracy and duplication at senior Garda level. It means more decision-making powers at local level. It means a greater level of community engagement. It means more expertise available in addressing forms of crime that we need to address in more innovative ways. For example, we have new laws in respect of domestic violence, sexual violence, economic crime, cybercrime and very fraud. We need to allow a level of flexibility on the part of gardaí in local divisions to carry out their duties in accordance with the needs of communities. I have every confidence that will happen. I am sure we will be in a position to debate this further as the plan is rolled out.

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