In the programme for Government, there is a clear commitment to building a visible and familiar policing presence. In Cavan-Monaghan, we have a rural crime crisis with homes being broken into in broad daylight. Business and particularly farmyards and the elderly in our communities are being affected. Community employment schemes, which are doing good in our communities, have had all their equipment stolen. My local district had 12 sergeants in 2007 and 2008. We are down to six. In 2010, our division had 413 gardaí and that number is now down to 330. Ballyconnell Garda station is a case in point, where we are left with reduced services and reduced hours. I ask the Minister to commit to building that visibility and presence in our constituency.

I fully recognise that this is an issue of particular concern. Garda recruitment effectively ended in 2010 and after that there was a continuous decline in the Garda's strength. That undoubtedly impacted on local communities, but we are now rebuilding the police force. Templemore was reopened and it is increasing recruitment every year. It is operating to full capacity. If I am not mistaken, the Minister for Justice and Equality has committed to a figure of 21,000 for the overall Garda workforce by 2021, comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. Those will be the resources that the Garda Commissioner will have to deploy in the most effective way to support the real concerns that the Deputy is highlighting.