Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply and welcome the allocation of an additional 27 gardaí, including two sergeants, to the Louth division. As I said previously, their work in the area is bearing much fruit. It is to be hoped that can make a big difference.

I refer to the cross-Border task force. I note the comments of the Minister that she would welcome increased co-operation with her counterparts in the North to build on the excellent co-operation that already takes place in this area, which should be noted. We want to see that enhanced and there is a need to put in place an overarching structure to support it. The comments of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, reflected that. It is my earnest wish that progress be made in this matter and that the task force be established in short order.

Before I conclude, I wish to congratulate Chief Superintendent Pat McGee of the Louth-Meath division on an excellent and amazing career in An Garda Síochána. He is retiring this weekend. He has been to the forefront in the Louth-Meath division for many years. In my village, Blackrock, County Louth, we formed a hurling team together when he first came to the area, believe it or not. He had played in an all-Ireland minor final for Wexford. I wish him very well. He is a very popular and hard-working chief superintendent.