In the programme for Government, the Government commits to prioritising investment in An Garda Síochána. I had a meeting with the Garda superintendent in my area, at which we discussed Garda resources at length. There are certain areas where extra gardaí are needed due to antisocial behaviour and drug issues. Obviously, any superintendent will always be looking for more resources in Garda stations and on the beat. Will the Taoiseach commit to increasing significantly the funding and the Garda numbers in south Kildare over the next year? It is vital that our communities feel safe and that our gardaí have the strength and numbers to protect them and provide the service required. I am aware of the recruitment drive plan, which I welcome, but I want to know how many gardaí from that plan we will get in Kildare.

The Deputy referred to the funding in the budget to recruit 1,000 more gardaí this year. That should be more than enough to cover retirements and resignations. That recruitment campaign is now under way. Decisions on how gardaí are allocated to different services in different regions are not made by the Minister or the Taoiseach. Such decisions are made by the Garda Commissioner, and it is appropriate that it should be thus. Perhaps it would be best if the Deputy were to contact the Garda Commissioner directly about that.