Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will leave it between ye.

Moving on to a more serious matter, I refer to the need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland in respect of the review of structures within An Garda Síochána with particular reference to the proposed amalgamation of superintendent roles in Galway and west Galway and the extent to which this may impact negatively on the Government policy of providing increased funding to ensure the deployment of appropriate numbers of gardaí in all areas so communities are safe. To broaden it out, there are concerns in Galway city and west Galway and I ask if the Minister, Deputy Harris, could confirm that the introduction of the new Garda operating model in the Galway division will not result in the closure or downgrading of any Garda station in Galway city. The Minister will be aware that Mill Street, Salthill and Oranmore are in this region currently. The previous Minister for Justice, Deputy Flanagan, commented that the new operating model would result in significantly more sergeants and inspectors on the ground. Recently, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the new operating model "... will see us deliver a more responsive, more efficient and better service to local communities" and "will mean increased numbers of Gardaí working on the frontline". How will this be apparent as the new model is introduced in the Galway division? Under the new model, the Garda has committed to ensuring superintendents will be in locations throughout a division and not all located in divisional headquarters. Will the Minister provide clarity on which stations the superintendents will be located in within the Galway division?

Furthermore, as he will be aware, under the new operating model, each division is to have a number of superintendents in charge of community engagement. How many such superintendents will there be in the Galway division and can the Minister provide clarity on the geographic areas that will be covered by each of the community engagements teams? I am aware the Minister might not have all the detail with him this morning but I thank him for his time. If he could liaise with the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, and get back to me by email that would be appreciated.

Before the changes are made at divisional level, I understand a change will come in on 4 September. The change impact assessments were to be conducted at a local level to ascertain what needs to be done to enable implementation of the new Garda model. Has this been completed within the Galway division and can the impact of the assessment be made known? A number of questions have arisen in Galway and we are all well aware gardaí on the ground are vital. I await the Minister's response.