I have a question for the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, as a result of the reply I received to a parliamentary question. There has been a dramatic reduction in the number of probationary gardaí assigned to County Tipperary. It is absolutely astonishing that, between 2015 and 2018, County Tipperary was allocated only 48 probationary gardaí out of a total of 2,146. Last year only eight gardaí were assigned to County Tipperary, a large rural county in which there are huge concerns about rural crime. I now hear talk about gardaí being picked to go to the Border. Are we to have the numbers of gardaí diminished again in rural areas? Such a measure would be totally unjustifiable. We need our fair share of Garda recruits and wish them well when they come.

The Deputy has raised a number of points, the most important of which is reported on in the media today, that the Garda Commissioner intends to deploy gardaí from rural areas to the Border. I refer the Deputy and all other Members to a statement by the Garda Commissioner in which he states quite clearly that reports of 600 gardaí being moved to the Border are entirely incorrect. He has not discussed this matter, nor considered the proposal. With regard to the position in County Tipperary, I assure the Deputy that operational issues are matters for the Garda Commissioner. However, I note his concern and intend to visit the county tomorrow where I will engage with stakeholders and interested parties on the matter of rural crime. I will be happy to furnish the Deputy with a report on the meeting.

Perhaps the Minister might call to see me.