David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses have emphasised the importance of reporting every theft or attempted theft. That message came from Muintir na Tíre as well, because we have heard people saying from time to time that there in no point in reporting these incidents. The IFA's message is obviously, in contrast to that, to report everything, no matter how minor, to gardaí so they can build up a picture. Mr. Downey mentioned in his opening statement that people were living in real fear for their personal safety, and we have seen reports of people going to bed with shotguns and firearms. We know farmers use firearms for other reasons as well on farms. Could he comment on the fear of crime? Muintir na Tíre told us the fear of crime can be more devastating than the crime itself.