First, I thank the Taoiseach for making his very successful trip to China and the rewards we got as a result of it.

I raise the issue of Portarlington Garda station in County Laois and ask that its operation be restored to a full-time, 24-hour service. Portarlington is the second-largest town in Laois with a population of 9,000 people. The station serves not only the town but a wider area, including Emo, Killenard and Ballybrittas. It is a significant concern to the local community that this is a large area and served by a part-time Garda station. Residents do not have a nearby front desk and are forced to travel to Portlaoise for passport verification, to report incidents and to get community support. I recognise the work being done to strengthen Garda numbers nationally. However, given Portarlington's size, growth and location, I strongly believe the town needs a Garda station operating 24 hours a day. I ask the Taoiseach to engage with the Minister for justice and An Garda Síochána to make the opening of this station 24-7 a priority.

I thank the Deputy. It is a very sizeable and important town. Thankfully, we are getting numbers through Templemore with good flow and recruitment. I will talk to the Minister for justice in respect of the presentation the Deputy has made today to see what we can do to get that to a 24-7 service.

The Government has loads of money now.

Deputy, it is not back and forth.

The Government has loads of money. It was closed down when there was no money but now the Government has loads of money so I want it opened up again-----

Deputy, it is not back and forth.

We have to spend responsibly but I get the Deputy's point.

I know but you are spending very little. You will not take your hand out of your pocket at all.