Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am slightly nervous because, as the Deputy said, it is an issue for the Minister for Justice and An Garda Síochána. The Deputy is right. I said to Deputy O’Rourke earlier that there is an argument in favour of establishing a unit outside An Garda Síochána, but I do not think that would be appropriate or correct. I recently visited the new control centre in Heuston Station, where the Garda response control unit is cheek by jowl with the rail control centre. That closeness, connection and speed of response is an advantage of using An Garda Síochána, as well as all the powers it has under law. The Garda has other units. The transport department unit is a similar example of a dedicated unit. That should be considered. The justice committee might be well placed to do it and I would happily give my views there. I would not rule it out. I would be supportive but it is a matter for the Minister for Justice to consider first and foremost.

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