Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I have some sympathy for the sentiments expressed by Senator Brian Hayes. Whether this is the mechanism to achieve his proposal, it is important that all social strata are represented within the Garda Síochána. This enhances the activity and acceptability of the force, which is important.

There may be a better way of achieving this aim without referring specifically to RAPID, under which only some areas receive a designation. However, if young people could be recruited from certain areas in all towns, even though they might not serve in the locality the fact they were gardaí would create an acceptance in the community that one of their own had become a garda.