There is a problem with policing in Dublin but can the Minister confirm that Garda members will not be transferred on a temporary or part-time basis from Tipperary or from other rural towns across the country to supplement Garda numbers in Dublin? We do not want a case of Peter robbing Paul. The issue of rural crime across Tipperary is causing deep concern amongst our communities. This trend disrupts the peace and security of our people.

In light of recent incidents, including burglaries and vandalism and antisocial behaviour, people are feeling increasingly vulnerable. The reconfiguration of Tipperary district and its amalgamation with Clare has had a detrimental impact. It has highlighted a glaring inadequacy in Garda personnel. The Garda numbers in the county are evidently insufficient to provide proper and adequate policing. Towns such as Roscrea, with a population exceeding 6,000, are consistently undermanned. The station is regularly closed due to staff shortage and also closes each evening at 5.30 p.m. The current policing model serving Tipperary is unacceptable and unsustainable and I ask the Minister to bring this issue to the attention of the Garda Commissioner.

I know the Deputy is absolutely completely committed to policing in his own community and to the wider county. As the Deputy will know, changes are taking place and a new operational model is being rolled out right across the country. The sole objective of that operating model is to ensure that we have better and more focused policing, with more members on the ground and that we have a stronger community policing presence. That is what every one of us in this Chamber and what our communities want, which is to have that Garda member on the ground, that person one can pick up the phone to. This reorganisation and these new divisional models are the focus and priority here. Of course, we all want more Garda members and numbers and that is why every effort is being made to ensure that we have the highest number of recruits coming out of our college which is possible.

Obviously, the Deputy’s specific question is around these areas and I will relay that concern back to the Commissioner.