I wish to raise the ongoing issue of Garda numbers in Cobh in County Cork. This issue has been brought to my attention by my Labour Party colleague, Councillor Cathal Rasmussen. Over the past number of months, and including this week, there have been a number of knife attacks in Cobh. Recently the doors of the Garda station itself were closed with no access to the public because of the lack of gardaí. There are four units in Cobh and in one of those units now there is only one garda. Likewise, in Carrigtwohill both stations are swapping personnel to cover the shifts. I understand now that gardaí are not willing to transfer to Cobh because of the lack of adequate resources. Locals are concerned that not only are there no boots on the ground but the station itself is now closed to the public.

Cobh is a hugely popular town and Carrigtwohill is becoming one of the fastest growing towns in Cork. The public are genuinely concerned for their safety. The first of the liners have started to dock in Cobh, swelling the daily population, but there are very few gardaí available. We all want new gardaí in our areas but Cobh brings such an economic benefit to Cork, the presence of gardaí is absolutely essential there.

I thank Deputy Kenny for raising this issue on his own behalf and on behalf of Councillor Rasmussen. They represent a beautiful part of this country. I know so many people who live there and who visit there from home and abroad. I take seriously the points the Deputy makes in relation to garda numbers in Cobh, in Carrigtwohill and in the area more widely, and in relation to the operating hours of the Garda station. I will ask the Minister for justice to engage directly with the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the deployment of gardaí. We are now seeing a significant increase in the Garda budget and in garda numbers in Templemore. I will raise the Deputy's concerns directly with the Minister.