Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

We spoke previously about the need for gardaí, particularly young gardaí, to live in council estates and disadvantaged areas because this helps the policing of the area. The Minister has said that people with families live wherever they choose and we do not suggest it should be otherwise. However, there should be co-operation with local authorities to make houses available for young gardaí coming into the community. This would provide a Garda presence in areas where it is needed. The idea is worthwhile and should be considered. It would be useful to disperse a number of officers to various locations throughout the country. The Minister mentioned the same idea with regard to a volunteer force. This amendment proposes another way of doing it. Some monetary incentive must be given to gardaí to live in these areas. The concept of free or reduced rent should be considered.

The St. Paul's parish area of Waterford city, which I represent, is a disadvantaged area that has pushed for a Garda sub-station in the area, encompassing Ballybeg, Lisduggan, Larchfield etc. The proposed amendment would go some way towards fulfilling that need through providing a greater Garda presence in council and other estates. I urge the Minister to liaise with his colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to come up with some kind of imaginative scheme to help these communities. Having gardaí in the communities would raise the profile of the force and assist communities that have not had a visible Garda presence for some time.