Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Some of the stations have not been opened for a number of years and some only for a short period. Clearly to free up Garda time and to allow for an extra 61,000 Garda patrol hours is a better and more efficient use of policing time. It is worth reminding the Opposition of advances in technology and policing practice that will allow for more efficient use of policing rather than have gardaí sitting behind a desk in stations that deal with a tiny number of reports every day. That is an issue of major importance that is worth speaking on.

My colleagues have spoken on the reduction in crime figures and the success of Operation Fiacla in tackling the area of serious crime. Members are concerned about increases in serious crime.

The previous Government in a time of plenty does not have the same record on penal and justice reform that this Minister does, and I commend him for it.