Page 96 of the programme for Government refers to ensuring a strong and visible police force in every community. We know how important are community gardaí in tackling rural crime. In Cavan-Monaghan, the number of community gardaí has fallen by almost 80% in the last seven years. The area now has only two officially appointed community gardaí, which is one of the lowest levels in the country. Will the Government comment on how it intends to establish community gardaí in the region once again?

I ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to give a short, brief answer.

I am anxious to speak to the Deputy on the matter but I respect the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's position. Deputy Smyth put questions to me on this matter only yesterday. I thought I gave her the good news about Cavan-Monaghan, in so far as an increase in garda numbers is concerned.

I asked specifically about community gardaí.

That will continue under this Government. There will shortly be 800 more gardaí, some of whom will be assigned to areas in Cavan-Monaghan. The Deputy will be aware that Cavan-Monaghan features strongly in the Garda building programme.