Garda deployment in Tipperary
Deputy McGrath complained that Clonmel and Tipperary were not receiving enough Garda reinforcements despite local representations. The Tánaiste said staffing assignments are a matter for the Commissioner, though Garda numbers are increasing.
The entire country is delighted that 200 new Garda recruits will leave Templemore tomorrow but those of us in Tipperary are in shock. The Commissioner came to Tipperary recently to listen to the joint policing committee, JPC, and all the Oireachtas Members who represent the area. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, is aware of that as is the Minister's party. We are in a perilous situation in Clonmel in respect of the number of Garda members. We expected that we would be assigned at least ten gardaí after all the pleas we made but we are not getting even one in that district. It is shocking that the people of Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel can be neglected in that way. The Garda superintendent, William Leahy, and his team of gardaí are in a dangerous situation because they do not have back-up. It is shocking in what is the biggest inland town in the country and district. It is shameful.
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Everybody could make a case on that issue. I know it is a matter for the Commissioner.
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-----but it is welcome that we are seeing increasing numbers in An Garda Síochána. Where they are assigned has to be determined by where the policing need is most-----
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So we do not have a policing need.