Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response. It was excellent to note, in budget 2022, the provision for the recruitment of over 800 new gardaí and 400 Garda staff. I very much welcome that. I note that the ongoing recruitment campaign that is under way is being well advertised and is progressing well to date. With the development of the new strategy statement for the period 2022 to 2024, now is the ideal time for An Garda Síochána to commit to increased community policing. As many Deputies have referenced previously, we need to strengthen the visibility of gardaí on the ground and ensure that we have the policing numbers not just in urban areas, but also in rural areas. It is probably not sufficient to have 12 assigned community police offers covering a large geographical area in County Mayo. We need to increase that. I ask that it is enhanced and that An Garda Síochána works with different community groups and organisations that have advocated for it. I am aware that it is one of the Minister's commitments as a Deputy representing a rural constituency. I would appreciate any support on the matter.

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