Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader arrange an early debate on the role of the Garda Síochána, developments in the force and the challenges it faces? It would be worthwhile to have the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, outline his legislative proposals in this regard and discuss related issues.

Last Monday, the Irish Independent published an article by Michael Brennan, a political correspondent, on a scare story about the proposed closure of 236 rural Garda stations. This is an erroneous, inaccurate report without foundation in fact. On Tuesday night, I met the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána, Mr. Fachtna Murphy, and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Ahern, in Dublin to discuss this issue. I was given a categorical assurance by both the Commissioner and Minister that there is no truth in the story, no such report exists and no proposals have been made to close Garda stations.

I cannot understand the reason a national newspaper should use scare tactics to worry and concern people. People have great time for rural gardaí and value their Garda stations, of which we have a fine network. The Commissioner assured me and encouraged me to make clear the position in this regard because the newspaper report has worried people in rural areas who are under attack. The Cathaoirleach will be familiar with this problem from his own constituency where a murder recently occurred in Daingean. I assure people in rural areas, including County Roscommon, that the report is inaccurate and has been refuted by the Commissioner and Minister.

I commend the Garda on its excellent work. As Senators will be aware, a hoard of gold was recently found as a result of an investigation into the robbery of a safe from Sheehan's pharmacy in Strokestown. I compliment the sergeant and gardaí who found the hoard in Dublin. It was a wonderful achievement.

I commend and congratulate our colleague Senator Ross on an excellent article in last week's Sunday Independent on our esteemed colleague, Mick Phelan, a senior usher of the Houses. It was a great tribute to a fine servant of the people of this House and was a very revealing article. I congratulate all our colleagues here for their recent excellent win.