Could the Taoiseach provide an update on the new proposed Garda station in Clonmel and tell me whether a contractor has been appointed? I welcome the commitment in the programme for Government to provide funding for 5,000 additional gardaí during the lifetime of this mandate. Ensuring law and order is also a challenge for towns and villages in rural Ireland, including my constituency of Tipperary South - towns like Tipperary, Cashel, Cahir, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir and Fethard. It is so important that we strengthen and better resource the community policing model at a local level. Can the Taoiseach give me an assurance that constituencies like Tipperary South will get their fair share of the additional gardaí that will come on stream during the lifetime of this Government?

I have been told by my Department that a contract has been signed in respect of Clonmel Garda station, which, as the Deputy knows, is badly needed. I am also told that it will be finished by the end of 2026, which is very good news.

Obviously, we are doing our best to ensure we recruit up to 1,000 gardaí each year. The intention is that they will be spread around the country. Obviously, Clonmel in the Deputy's constituency will be very much supported by the gardaí when we get the extra resources in.