Justice Minister says major changes to how the Garda force operates will lead to a more agile and responsive police service.
Justice Minister and Laois Fine Gael TD, Charlie Flanagan, says major changes to how the Garda force operates will lead to a more agile and responsive police service.
1,800 additional Gardaí are being deployed to the front-line, while the number of Garda divisions is being reduced from 28 to 19, in an effort to reduce admin duties and create community policing teams.
The Laois/Offaly division is set to merge with Kildare, while Westmeath is joining Meath.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors claims it's a "downgrading" of management structures, and consultation was too rushed.
But Commissioner Drew Harris says the government fully supports his plan:
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