Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)

There are more gardaí going through Templemore and more are being recruited. That is very positive. However, the reality is that they are not coming to Roscommon, Longford or Mayo. We can designate gardaí all we like, but they are not there. In addition, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, is aware of cases where gardaí are stationed in far-flung parts of the country. They cannot get back to anywhere near County Roscommon or counties in the midlands. As a result, gardaí are being forced out of the force because there is no clear mechanism for transfers. All of the new recruits are being deployed to the major urban centres. This is leaving the rural force under-resourced, with no access to the new gardaí who are being recruited.

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