Sadly, a number of weeks ago a murder took place in Cahersiveen in south Kerry. Thankfully, we are not used to such events happening. In the aftermath of what happened, I assisted other locals in organising a very large public meeting that was held in Cahersiveen. It was attended by many public representatives and, very importantly, by our Garda superintendent, Flor Murphy, from Killarney Garda station and the local sergeant, Michael Murphy. We appreciated very much their attendance because the locals want to work with the local gardaí. More than 500 people were at the meeting, which was a great testament to the concerns the locals have about the well-being of their area. The area comprising Cahersiveen and south Kerry in general - including places such as Sneem, Castlecove, Caherdaniel, Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Portmagee, Valentia Island, Glenbeigh and Foilmore - is beautiful. We want to protect it and make it as safe a place as it always has been for the people who live there and those who visit. It is probably the most beautiful part not just of Ireland but of the western world and we want it to stay that way.

Unfortunately, as was identified at the meeting to which I refer, more resources are needed. We had our own dedicated superintendent in the Garda station in question for many years. We had more gardaí available there for many years. We had a second sergeant. I welcome the fact the very able, capable and hard-working local sergeant will be assisted by another sergeant in the near future. However, I want the second sergeant to be put in place as soon as possible.

Serious consideration should be given to putting a full-time superintendent back into south Kerry because the superintendent, Flor Murphy, has an amazing amount of work to do in the Killarney area due to the fact that it is so busy. It is my humble opinion, and that of the locals, that having to cover south Kerry and Cahersiveen is too much of a workload for one person. There is a great case to be made for putting a second superintendent back in the locality. The people there deserve this. On the night in question, 500 people turned up at the meeting. I appreciate the fact that local gardaí and the superintendent were present and answered all of the questions put to them. The people want reassurance. They want to ensure that their children will be safe. I compliment the Garda because a number of raids have been carried out since the meeting took place and these have resulted in illegal drugs being found and confiscated. We appreciate that very much. In the past, we have been let down in the context of resources. Gardaí are doing excellent work but they need more assistance and more resources to be made available to them.

I want to take a moment to add my words of condolence to the family of Rory Kiely, who passed away, and also to the family of Seán Calleary, whom we lost last week. I extend my condolences to their families and to the Fianna Fáil Party. There will be a time in the future when we will be able to give more lengthy tributes to those two men who gave great service to our country and our politics.

I thank Deputy Michael Healy-Rae for raising this important issue, which I know is of great concern in south Kerry. I agree with him that south Kerry is surely one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and, indeed, the world. I will long remember my days as Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport and being able to spend a lot of time in Kerry and experiencing the beauty of that particular county.

I am of course aware of the brutal murder of Mr. Robert Elston, who died after receiving serious stab wounds following an altercation in Cahersiveen on 23 May, and the Minister for Justice and Equality has briefed me on the matter. I understand the Garda immediately mounted a full investigation that has led to an individual being charged and brought before the courts. The Deputy will appreciate that as it is now a matter before the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment much further. However, this reprehensible act destroyed a family and has, understandably, left the community of Cahersiveen and wider south Kerry in complete shock. I know the House will join me in extending our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Elston. As the Deputy mentioned, a large public meeting took place in Cahersiveen on 5 June, with members of the community coming together to voice their concerns, particularly in light of recent events. I understand members of An Garda Síochána were also in attendance to listen to the contributions.

The Government remains committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the necessary resources to tackle all forms of crime in our communities, including in south Kerry. Approximately €1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda for 2018, which will lead to investment in new equipment, whether it is information and communications technology, cars or other vehicles. It also means we will have 600 more gardaí than when this Government of Fine Gael, the Independent Alliance and Independents came into office. The manner in which those extra gardaí are to be deployed is of course a matter for the Garda Commissioner and it is up to him to decide where superintendents, inspectors and gardaí should be located. The best people to determine such matters are the gardaí who provide the services.

We all regret the very sad murder that took place but I did not ask the Taoiseach to comment on that. I asked him to comment solely on the resources. In speaking about extra recruits coming from Templemore, I point out that when recruits come, they can only go to a number of places. They are Killarney and Tralee, and they are not allowed to go to Cahersiveen or places like Listowel. New gardaí are welcome but I want there to be more dedicated gardaí put into the Cahersiveen Garda station. It is only right, sensible and prudent, taking into account the vast area, and having our own dedicated superintendent, as we had in the past, is justified. When they were there before, they were not idle and they had plenty to do. They will have plenty to do again in keeping law and order in the locality. It is what the locals and visitors deserve. People who have businesses and who have families only want to live their lives and raise those families in a safe and happy environment, as it was before. We want it to be such a place again in future.

I am told Cahersiveen Garda station has reduced opening hours to the public but it is still functioning on a 24-7 basis. The Killarney district has 107 gardaí assigned to it, including one superintendent and 18 gardaí are assigned to Cahersiveen Garda station. They can call on back-up from national regional units, including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the armed support unit and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. As of 31 March, there were also 55 vehicles from the Garda fleet allocated to the Kerry division.

I appreciate that the Deputy's specific request has been made sincerely. As I stated, it is ultimately up to the Garda Commissioner to decide where gardaí should be located, how they should be deployed and the different ranks involved. Given that this is such a serious matter and I know the Deputy is so sincere, I will ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to relay the request to the Garda Commissioner for his consideration.