I am happy to hear the Minister say he will have extra gardaí on the beat, but does he agree that it is desirable in large centres of population that each Garda station would have at least one female garda on duty at all times? That being the case, would he ensure that in the foreseeable future all large Garda stations — in the Tallaght area, for example, where we have more than 60 gardaí there is not a female garda at the moment — will have a female garda? Specific crimes related to women are causing great concern and indeed are causing a breakdown in the way law and order are being looked after in the area.

(Limerick East): I agree in general with what the Deputy has said. The deployment of ban-ghardaí to major Garda stations is very important for a variety of reasons, apart from community relations. I will have a look at the situation in Tallaght.