Garda numbers and campus security
Deputy Brassil sought stronger security measures for the parliamentary campus in light of the Westminster attack and linked this to the Government's pledge to increase Garda numbers. After the Chair ruled it out of order, the Tánaiste said security is a priority for An Garda Síochána and pointed to the recruitment of 800 gardaí and the armed response unit.
There is a commitment in the programme for Government to increase our Garda numbers. Given the relative ease yesterday with which an individual created havoc and destruction in Westminster, what plans does the Government have to increase the security of this campus and its surrounding streets?
Comment on this
It is very relevant, given what happened yesterday.
Comment on this
The Tánaiste might like to comment on it.
Comment on this
We are all concerned to ensure that all premises are secured as much as possible, including this one. I assure the Deputy that the safety and security of locations around the country, including this one, is of prime concern to An Garda Síochána and it has all relevant initiatives under way. The recruitment of 800 gardaí this year is an important part of having a proper response, as indeed was the establishment of the armed response unit which we now have in Dublin and which is available and working at present.