Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I have no doubt that will be the case in time in regard to recruits taken on by the Civil Service Commission. The standard is very high, which I am sure will continue to be the case. There is no barrier to anyone's application, provided he or she fulfils the requirements of the Garda Síochána. It is a matter for people who come from RAPID or CLÁR areas to apply.

I live in a rural Leader area which is fortunate to have two members of the Garda Síochána resident. This is most helpful and has made this one of the safest areas of the country. The gardaí are part of the community and do not erect barriers between themselves and others. They socialise and mix with everybody in the area and they know what is happening there, which works very well.

Roscommon town, which has a Garda headquarters, is reputed to be one of the safest small towns in the country. It has been a great benefit to the town to have so many members of the Garda Síochána based there.

The proposal contained in the amendment is worthwhile and I am sure the Minister will take it into consideration, but it may not be practical to implement.