Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

There are an increasing number of break-ins in rural areas. Over the past ten years or more, a number of Garda stations throughout Ireland which were not regarded as viable were closed. As Senators will be aware, in recent times there seems to have been an increasing number of thefts of items such as copper, money and jewellery. While there might have been some scaremongering allied to this as well regarding further closures, I do not know whether there is any hard evidence. Community alert committees are important throughout Ireland. They have done valuable work and maybe there is a need for more of them. The gardaí stay in touch and monitor the situation with the people involved in these communities and it is highly important work. Perhaps in due course the Minister for Justice and Equality could come to the House. I am not saying that any further closures are planned, but if some further rationalisation down the line is planned, it would be nice to know of it in advance. It would be helpful to local representatives throughout the various local authorities if they were made aware in advance. Much liaison is taking place and perhaps there is a need for more of it between local representatives and community groups. The Leader might consider whether it would be possible to invite the Minister to the House, if it is appropriate and if there is anything further planned. I am not saying there is.