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

I am proud of the work the Garda does in County Meath. I regularly meet with teams and while I want to see more gardaí on the beat and in community policing in the county, it is important that there is a separation between me and the Commissioner, who decides where gardaí go. My role is to ensure that as many potential gardaí as possible enter Templemore and that the funding and resources are there. I must ensure the Garda has the necessary equipment, including cars, technology and the buildings it needs, to provide the fantastic service it does. I want to see more gardaí in Meath and right across the country. I am committed to that not only through the funding we are providing this year but also through the constant engagement I have with the Commissioner. I must understand his needs and the needs of the Garda in general. Whether legislation, resources or anything else is required to help the Garda do its job more efficiently and effectively, I must ensure it is put in place. I refer again to the unprecedented budget that has been provided this year, building on last year and the year before. That will continue to increase. I have no doubt, given the census figures we have seen in recent weeks, that as the numbers of new members come out of Templemore in the next few months and next year, we will start to see an increase of gardaí in many counties.

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