Fianna Fail is calling on the Government to reverse its decision to close down 100 garda stations around the country.

The party's finance spokesperson says the most vulnerable in society will be affected by the move.

Niall Collins has also accused the Justice Minister of being divorced from the reality of life in rural Ireland.

His remarks come as reports claim that the closures will be complete by the end of this month.

The Government announced the move last year - but it had been previously thought that the closures would be spread out over a longer period.

Deputy Niall Collins says the closures pose a threat to the safety of people around the country, in particular the elderly: