Lorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Deputy Leader to bring the Minister for Justice and Equality into this Chamber as soon as possible to discuss the second interim report on the re-opening of Garda stations that were closed by the previous Government. The report in question, which was published in recent days, recommended the re-opening of four Garda stations and the opening of two new stations. Moves have already been made to re-open Stepaside Garda station.It is clear from the second interim report that Rush Garda station in north County Dublin was given the same status as Stepaside. The population in Rush and greater north County Dublin is increasing, as is crime in the area. All Members know why Stepaside was cherry-picked ahead of Rush but it is not good enough that the report has not been finalised. I want the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, to come to the House to discuss the issue in the wider context of a lack of resources being allocated. Garda stations are to be re-opened and it is very important that additional gardaí are supplied to such stations. Residents of north County Dublin are very disappointed that the report has not been published in its final form and I ask the Deputy Leader to facilitate the Minister for Justice and Equality coming to the House to discuss that issue.