Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising two very important points. The report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland underlines exactly what the Deputy spoke of regarding a human rights-based approach and also a community policing model whereby gardaí work on the ground and are visible and engaged with the community. Covid-19 gave a good glimpse of what that would look like, where gardaí engaged with the community to give support and protection and ensure that the health measures were implemented in full. Significant work is under way in implementing the commission's report. Considerable work has been done, some of which was delayed because of Covid-19, but the Commissioner assures me that work will continue, particularly in respect of Garda numbers and ensuring that there is a presence on the ground. The target is to have 15,000 gardaí in place by next year. We are still on target to reach that. Many Deputies mentioned civilian staff. That allows more front-line gardaí to be out engaging with people. It also brings a wealth of other experience and knowledge regarding ICT and other matters.

Many Deputies referred to domestic abuse. Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in such abuse during the pandemic. Additional funding was provided to different services. I agree that it is probably not enough and that we must look at the matter further. I assure Deputies of my commitment to this. From any conversation I have had with the Commissioner, I know that it is a priority for him and his team in weeks, months and years ahead.

See this speech in context