On 7 March 2013 the then Minister for Justice and Equality promised the Dáil that reduced opening hours at Boyle Garda station would result in the station opening, at a minimum, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. or 56 hours per week. It is now proposed to slash this figure to 33 hours per week. Moreover, the opening hours are not consistent on any one of the seven days of the week. When will the Garda Síochána (policing authority and miscellaneous provisions) Bill be published? Is it acceptable that people living in Boyle and surrounding areas need to consult a calendar before they are able to contact their local Garda station?

Deputy Frank Feighan raised this matter with me and it was also the subject of a Topical Issue yesterday. I understand Boyle Garda station provides a full service. As Deputy Denis Naughten is well aware, the operation of the station is a matter for the chief superintendent and superintendents in the district. The Bill to which he referred will be published this session.