Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I had the opportunity to visit the Deputy's constituency a few months ago. I assure him of the full support of my Department and others in ensuring that there is a community response to the issues involved. I was pleased to engage in collaboration with ministerial colleagues and I refer to the contribution in that regard of Deputy Broughan and, from the Government, the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, as local public representatives. Community policing remains at the heart of Garda work. It provides a means to recognise that every community, including those in the Deputy's constituency, has its own concerns and expectations. Gardaí have a role to play in community policing. In practical terms, the new model which is being rolled out will mean less duplication, less bureaucracy at senior level and greater decision-making power locally for superintendents. That is because, as I said earlier, a policing plan in my constituency or that of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle should be very different from a plan for Deputy Broughan's constituency. That is what we need to get from the new plan and I am confident we will do so.

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