Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister mentioned additional civilian staff, which we appreciate. My understanding is that some of the operating chief superintendents and the superintendents who were actually out there in uniform meeting the people, will be going to back-office jobs, when I think we need more engagement. Over the years, in the two counties that I have had the privilege of representing, I always saw that the best policing model was when the public at large knew who the chief superintendent, the superintendent, the inspectors and the gardaí were. That engagement with the people is critical and instils confidence in communities and individuals.

The Minister mentioned the welcome development at Bailieborough and I appreciate his support in advance of that project. The then Minister, Deputy Flanagan, very helpfully responded to ongoing representations that I made regarding the reopening of Bawnboy Garda station in my home village some years ago, but that has not been progressed by An Garda Síochána. I would like the Minister to pursue that particular issue as well.

I understand that this operating model has been postponed indefinitely. It does not meet with the support of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, AGSI, and the superintendents have commented about the lack of resources. It is postponed indefinitely. I would love to see it abandoned, and I am talking about the Border region in particular. I think the existing structure, enhanced by resources, would be the best model.

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