Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

However, I am taking the Deputy’s broader point and on this occasion I am agreeing with him in that we obviously need to do more to increase the Garda presence. I assure him that the programme for Government, and also the pipeline we are now seeing from Templemore, will see us on a more positive trajectory as a result of the foundations we have put in place over the past several years.

I also assure the Deputy that the safety of our members when out and about patrolling is of paramount importance to the Government and Commissioner.

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