John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

The objective of the amendment is good, but it is stating the obvious to remark that gardaí must derive from the community they serve. Any police force must be formed in this manner if it is to be effective. The point has been conceded with regard to RAPID areas. I would not favour restriction to such areas as it is too narrow a base. In any event as the RAPID programme will eventually be replaced, the provision would become redundant.

I am not keen on the use of target percentages. The commissioner should have a general objective which could be spelled out, rather than specifying targets.