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

I also acknowledge the people who are working, not just those on the board but also the community members. If we are to make the progress we need, it is important that everybody comes together and works together, as has happened to date. I thank everyone for their co-operation and their collaborative approach.

Resourcing is one element. The Deputy has rightly mentioned the possible boundary change. I am aware that the Garda Commissioner has engaged with the Deputy and indicated that this is the direction he might like to take. However, it needs to be confirmed and agreed. I am sure that will happen in due course. I will, of course, ask the Garda Commissioner to update the Deputy and his colleagues as quickly as possible as soon as that decision is fully agreed.

While we have implemented a number of the recommendations, we need to continue in the same vein. Obviously, it is not just about the Department of Justice, the Garda Commissioner and his team. As the Deputy mentioned we have seen a significant increase in the Garda presence in the Louth district in recent years.

However, this is about education, health, community and the various different infrastructural projects. We are working extremely hard with the Departments to make sure that issues which have arisen can be resolved. Obviously, the resources that are needed can be provided.

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