I commend yesterday’s statement from the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, that he would be filling vacancies at chief superintendent level promptly.

Why does he not reopen the college in Templemore?

The Government has agreed with the Minister that moneys will be made available for the Garda. The Government is determined to support the Garda in its fight against crime. We have seen how the Minister and the Garda Commissioner work together. He has been criticised by gardaí and others for working too well with the Commissioner.

The Commissioner has supported the Garda Representative Association in its call for an independent authority to examine Garda pay and conditions, similar to the one which examined those of the Judiciary. The authority could be separate to or part of the judicial pay review. Ordinary rank and file gardaí on the streets, who put their lives and limbs at risk for us, should be included in this examination.