Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Garda on its work and offer my sympathy and that of my colleagues on Garda Golden's tragic killing.

I have a question on Operation Thor, which was introduced to deal with criminality, and specifically with regard to rural east Limerick, an area I represent. I have written to the Minister on this matter and asked her to take it up with the Garda Commissioner. It concerns the tragic loss of John O'Donoghue's life in Toomaline, Doon, during a burglary. In the past four years in rural east Limerick, which includes Murroe, Pallasgreen, Cappamore, Doon and Oola, Garda numbers have decreased by 44%, down from nine to five. That area needs extra gardaí. What is the Commissioner's view on that? Has she had an opportunity to appraise the position in that area?

The Commissioner spoke about Garda numbers. We had a major issue with gangland crime in Limerick and the extra gardaí made a significant difference in tackling that.

We have lost Garda numbers in Limerick through retirements, transfers and other things and that aspect feeds into rural east Limerick as well. Will we get extra gardaí, specifically in rural east Limerick? There has been a 44% reduction in numbers with a loss of four gardaí over the past four years.