James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I fully agree with the Deputy. I spoke with communities in Dublin recently about ensuring consistency in who their community gardaí are, as there can be a high turnover due to gardaí moving on. We do not see the same level of turnover among juvenile liaison officers, who view their role as a longer term position. This issue can be examined to ensure consistency.

The Deputy is 100% right that the community garda is the most important garda. Community gardaí are the linchpins and connecting points between what the rest of the force is doing and the community. It is about building trust. I support this model and will continue to push the matter with the Garda Commissioner. Obviously, this is an operational issue for him, but it is critical, given the trust engendered in communities by working with various groups.

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