Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There were a number of questions. I thank Deputy Murphy for her contribution and her support for the work of the Garda Síochána in the current challenging circumstances.

The Deputy raised the issue of Garda strength in her constituency of Kildare North. While I do not have the figures with me tonight, I would be happy to provide her with them tomorrow. They will show an increase in numbers in the north Kildare area on the numbers from five years ago. All this is part of a national recruitment campaign to increase numbers as a result of the record investment on the part of Government of €1.8 billion this year, every cent of which is being wisely spent by the Garda Commissioner and his team, allowing for record numbers of gardaí, with 14,750 currently engaged in every community across the State. Our target - my target - of 15,000 sworn members of An Garda Síochána and 4,000 civilian staff by the end of next year is well on its path. I would be happy to report to the House further on that. Only last week I spoke to the chief superintendent for the area, John Scanlan. While of course I acknowledge my role as Minister not to be engaged in any operational matters, I can tell the House and Deputy Murphy that the chief superintendent is actively engaged in ensuring there is not the type of disparity that Deputy Murphy hopes there will not be in the context of the new division and that specific attention is being given to numbers in the north Kildare area so as to ensure there is no imbalance.

On direct provision, I repeat what I said earlier. I am far from happy with the current regime. I do, however, acknowledge recent improvements. I do not want anybody in substandard accommodation. The Deputy mentioned one centre in respect of which I have requested an inspection in the form of an examination. I expect to have that to hand over the next 48 to 72 hours and, again, I would be happy to update the House on that. I do not want anybody living in substandard accommodation, and I will ensure that that is the case. I acknowledge the work of an independent committee, an expert group, led by former EU Secretary General, Dr. Catherine Day, examining best practice on the international stage and the provision of services, including accommodation.

I have asked Dr. Day and the group whether they could possibly bring forward their reporting to ensure that I could have it at the early opportunity. Again, I would be happy to share that with the House.

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