Sinn Féin's Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has said there is a concern in rural Ireland at cutbacks to garda numbers.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Mac Lochlainn said warnings from the Garda Representative Association in relation to the issue have "come home to roost".
He claimed a woman in his constituency had to give a local garda a lift to her house following a burglary, as he did not have a vehicle.
The Garda Press Office said it will be making no comment on the claim.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn called on the Taoiseach to meet with the Garda Commissioner as soon as possible to reassure rural communities.
Enda Kenny said the roster situation has changed within the force and there is evidence of a greater connection between officers and the members of the force.
The Minister for Justice talks regularly to the Garda Commissioner, who has day to day responsibility for the running of the force, he added.
