Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Operational matters are very much the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner and I have left it to him to decide how best to engage in whatever consultative process will be required. That process will not focus on whether stations should be closed or remain open. In the context of smaller stations, the consultative process will focus primarily on providing reassurances for local communities that they will continue to have access to the full assistance of the Garda Síochána. In so far as there may be special local issues about which communities are concerned, individuals will have the opportunity to communicate their concerns about such issues during the process in order to ensure they will be addressed. The Commissioner will be arranging for the consultative process to be engaged in by officers at local level. I expect it to get under way soon.

On the issue raised by the Senator in respect of Tuam, the information at my disposal is as contained in my initial reply. If, however, further clarification is required, I will communicate with the Senator in writing.