Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Daly has referred to the amendment. While it is short, its wording is important to ensure as much consultation as possible in determining the policing priorities of the authority.

I want to comment on the Bill in a more general sense. In March, I spoke about this Bill and said its importance cannot be overstated. This remains the case. In the main, the amendments are minor but necessary alterations to the text of the Bill. The Bill creates a modern framework for policing and will modernise our police force, An Garda Síochána. Policing is about serving the people, and the work starts in the community and with people in the community knowing their local gardaí, feeling comfortable approaching them and supporting them. Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen a falling off in the number of gardaí assigned to community policing roles, and this can unwittingly create a barrier between gardaí and local communities.

It is my sincere hope that the changes introduced in this Bill will see a renewed focus on community policing. Limerick communities need community gardaí. Without them at the heart of a community, trust can be lost. When a community sees gardaí in its area only when they are making arrests, it can result in a them-versus-us situation. Division can be avoided.

In 2008, there were 92 community gardaí in Limerick city. As of July 2020, there were 31. This void allows the few nefarious characters to thrive in Limerick. We saw this in several communities. At one stage, there was a 24–7 drug supermarket on a busy residential street. This went on for about three years. The presence of community gardaí often gives reassurance to older members of a community. Importantly, they serve as role models for younger people.

The other element of this policing plan for which I have great hopes relates to the importance that seems to be attached to the idea of community safety and the prevention of harm, particularly to vulnerable individuals. Including a specific objective in this regard is most welcome. In my dealings with the gardaí in Limerick, I found that the rank-and-file members practise this objective every day. I have found them to be kind and caring when faced with people who are suffering, especially those struggling with mental health challenges. Often, the problem arises not with the gardaí dealing with the vulnerable person but at the next step. Particularly where there are mental health challenges, gardaí have nowhere to bring people to. Policing is not just the responsibility of gardaí but of all the Departments of the State and the wider community. This principle should create a more holistic approach to policing in this State.

The Bill is much needed and is welcome. Despite the myriad of challenges they face, gardaí continue to do good. They operate without all the resources they need. If you live on the north side of Limerick and have reason to call the gardaí, you will be waiting for some time for them to call out. It is not because they do not care but because they must prioritise given Limerick's resources. On Limerick city's north side, there is often only one patrol car available. It is a huge area. It includes the whole north side of Limerick city, two regeneration areas, large areas of Corbally and the area extending as far as Ardnacrusha. This is an impossible situation to leave local gardaí in. People are frustrated over the lack of a response or the variations in responses when they contact the Garda. This affects all communities, whether they are middle class or working class. How can gardaí respond when they do not exist or when there is simply nobody available?

Stations in Limerick, Cork and Waterford are recording five-year peaks in reported crimes and Garda numbers are down. The Garda Representative Association has warned that recruitment targets have already been missed this year.

In the Limerick city area, basically the Garda stations at Henry Street and Roxboro, there were 511 gardaí in 2011. In May of this year, with an increased population, we have 59 gardaí fewer, or 452 in the same two stations. While I welcome this Bill, we must see the objectives set out in the policing plan matched by the Government in terms of recruitment and the delivery of resources that the Garda deems necessary.

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