Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I would welcome a debate in due course on rural policing. While I cannot speak for the experience in the cities, Garda station closures in rural areas were necessary because they were costing a significant amount. A proper communication system and the availability of more vehicles thereby allowing gardaí to respond quickly to crime would be far more useful than having a member of the force sitting in a Garda station, where he or she might only sign one passport application form in a month. There is an argument for a mature and reasonable debate.