Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I seek a debate on the funding of the Garda Síochána. I do not make this call as a result of the newspaper report this morning about €1,000 being spent to change three light bulbs - stories like that will come and go - I am far more concerned about the proposed expenditure in this year's Estimates. Expenditure on maintenance of Garda vehicles is projected to be reduced by 40% while expenditure on maintenance of Garda stations and premises is projected to decrease by 70%. If these savings are efficient, I welcome them. However, I am more concerned that these cuts are another example of the Government skimping on expenditure and that in the long run we will end up with stations that are not running properly and cars that are out of service. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on whether this is efficiency or just the Government once again failing to provide sufficient funding for the Garda Síochána.