James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their time and contributions. I hope the extension of the Act until 30 November 2023 sends Members the message of our determination to continue to support and provide clarity to businesses, An Garda Síochána and communities.

Deputy Pa Daly raised the issue about the number of gardaí. We have approximately 380 in training at the moment at various stages. We will certainly continue with that recruitment, with more gardaí going into training across the year. We still very much aim to get to 1,000 gardaí into training by the end of the year. We have already commenced another recruitment process in that respect.

A number of Deputies raised the issue of certainty for publicans, residents and the community. That is very much what we want to do with the new licensing legislation in the general scheme so that we do not have to do this every six months. Deputy Canney raised the issue around the need for certainty.

Deputies Canney and Connolly raised the issue of disabilities, which is something that is very close to my own heart. My sister has spina bifida hydrocephalus and is in a wheelchair, and she is very quick to point out where there are breaches of access on our footpaths. This is something on which all our local authorities need to be absolutely vigilant. Deputy Catherine Murphy also raised the issues about ensuring there is an understanding for all the different parties who are affected by the licensing regime, which is important and very positive. However, I agree that our local authorities need to be very vigilant to ensure that where these licences are given, it is not at the cost of people with disabilities, elderly residents and other people who use a space. All our public spaces are meant to be shared spaces and it is important this is taken into account by everybody in these types of matters.

Deputy Mattie McGrath raised the issue out-of-town shopping centres. While it is not specifically related to this issue, my own hometown never did that. A number of local politicians think that was negative and that we should have had an out-of-town shopping centre. I would perhaps direct them towards Deputy McGrath to see what the alternative did to town centres. The Deputy raised the issue of dereliction in towns. I certainly believe dereliction is an antisocial behaviour issue. It is something I know the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is trying to tackle in that respect.

Deputy Murnane O'Connor rightly raised the Garda Youth Awards, which take place in every county. I certainly encourage people to participate in those great evenings held by the Garda Youth Awards to see the great young people we all have in our communities. Much of the time, young people get a bad rap, so to see the bravery and courage of many young people throughout the country is really impressive. With regard to community gardaí, on one level, all of our gardaí are community gardaí. We are very proud of how they have been part of a community-based and unarmed Garda Síochána. There is a specific designation of community gardaí in certain towns and areas, but that is a matter and responsibility for the superintendent and chief superintendent to designate. Ministers have no role in that respect. I certainly echo the Ceann Comhairle's call for those young people to be nominated for the National Bravery Awards as well. It is important to recognise that.

I thank all the Deputies for their contributions. This is something that has to be done every six months. It was a condition that was put in at the time with Covid-19. The view is that we will continue to renew this until such time as we have it resolved permanently within our legislation. However, our legislation around licensing laws will make sure there is that balance of rights to ensure everybody can benefit from our shared spaces.

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