Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Both the GRA and the AGSI have raised serious questions about the new Garda operating model. Clearly, that model is undermined by the fact there are far too few gardaí to operate it. That is particularly the case with community gardaí. There were only 700 community gardaí at the end of last year compared with over 1,100 at the end of 2011. The Garda has raised serious issues and must be listened to. It is very regrettable therefore that the Minister for Justice boycotted the GRA annual conference this week. Does the Taoiseach accept that this was a mistake on the part of the Minister? Will he ensure that the Government will work with rank-and-file members of An Garda on an operating model that works for them and for the communities they serve?

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