Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

The sufficiency of the number of gardaí across the country, in Cork city and county in particular, is an ongoing issue. As of 31 April, there are 1,281 gardaí working in Cork city and Cork county. Of these, 664 are assigned to Cork city and 616 to Cork county. Since 2015, more than 300 probationer gardaí have been assigned to stations in County Cork, including seven from attestation in March and five from last week's attestation. That is what I am told, although some people have said three. We need increased numbers in Cork and indeed across the country. It is very clear that the Garda's prioritisation and the Commissioner's prioritisation has been the Dublin area. In fact, many Dublin Deputies have commented on the increased presence of gardaí on the streets of Dublin. We need to see that all over the country.

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