Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I concur with the Minister of State in conveying the sympathies of this side of the House on the regrettable tragedy that occurred in Wicklow last night where, in the course of his civic responsibility to help others, a very young off-duty garda was lost. As somebody with huge respect for the gardaí and with family members in the force I concur with the Minister of State in this regard.

I am not absolutely clear on the intent of the Minister from the response but I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House and for putting the matter into perspective. I will convey the response to the people in the community of Kilbrittain. I hope when the matter is being considered that each Garda station will be judged on its merits.

I feel very strongly on the importance of gardaí living in the community and I ask the Minister of State to take this point to the Minister, Deputy Shatter, and perhaps, directly or indirectly, to the Garda Commissioner. Last night, I specifically inquired and discovered that none of the eight gardaí at the station I mentioned earlier live in the vicinity of the town. Whether he or she is involved in the local GAA club, goes to church or meets people day to day, the presence of a garda, whether on duty or off duty, is critical to a community.