Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. It is great to welcome the recruitment of 800 gardaí and staff members. The Minister of State said 97 community gardaí were assigned to the Kilkenny–Carlow division but did not actually tell me how many gardaí are in Carlow. Although Carlow is smaller than Kilkenny, I am a Deputy for Carlow-Kilkenny and believe it is important that I get the figures for Carlow. It is good to see the increase but it is important that Carlow is never left behind. I always feel it is because it is a smaller county. Therefore, I ask for the figures for it.

I compliment the gardaí I know in Carlow and Kilkenny. They do an excellent job but it is important to see more community gardaí. This is what we have always wanted in rural areas such as County Carlow. It gives a sense of security, particularly for elderly people. It is important that we talk about Text Alert. I attended a Text Alert meeting recently and it was lovely to see the big crowd at it. It was like a little community event, but there is now concern over paying money towards Text Alert. We need to consider that and encourage people to opt for Text Alert more, particularly in rural areas. There should be funding. In this regard, we need to determine which is the relevant Department.

While it is good that there is recruitment of new gardaí, which I welcome, the Minister of State must make sure that smaller counties such as Carlow are not left behind. I ask that he send me the figures for Carlow Garda station. Well done to everyone involved. For nearly two years, Covid has not been easy on anyone. Gardaí have played a huge part in calling to people and checking on people. We have to recognise their work but we need to ensure we have enough gardaí in the community.

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