I raise the serious issue of the lack of a full-time Garda station and Garda presence in east Meath. The area has seen a serious increase in antisocial behaviour, drug crime and serious unprovoked attacks. Frantic calls for help have to go through to Ashbourne Garda Station, some 33 km away. When the Garda Commissioner reduced Garda divisions from 28 to 19, he promised increased visibility and more localised service. The complete opposite has happened in east Meath. People feel completely abandoned.

Will the Taoiseach commit, in the Government's capital plan, to include provision for a fit for purpose Garda station in the Laytown-Bettystown area? A population of 22,000 people live in that area. Gardaí are operating from a dilapidated bungalow in the middle of a housing estate and only provide Garda service 20 hours per week. I raised this matter with the Commissioner, who is aware there is an issue in the area but continues to ignore it. Will the Taoiseach raise those serious concerns with the Commissioner and commit to including it in the capital plan?

The Government has provided very substantial capital moneys through the Department of Justice and Minister for Justice to An Garda Síochána in respect of the capital requirements of An Garda Síochána, including Garda stations. The Garda Commissioner has operational authority in terms of the deployment of those resources. I understand fully the needs of County Meath and the Laytown-Bettystown area in particular. Other Deputies have been in touch with me about this matter, which will be kept under review. I will speak to the Minister for Justice about it.