Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentation. They have given a very clear and precise picture of what it is like for people who live in rural Ireland. I live in the city myself but my cousins are farmers who live on an island, so they are a little more protected from rural crime than others. Fear is a huge factor. Deputy Wallace spoke about people looking in the window of his mother's home. People coming onto land and looking in the kitchen window inspire fear. If Deputy Wallace's mother told people in the town about her experience, then the fear would spread. Even if nothing happens, there is huge anxiety. All of a sudden people close their doors, which breaks down a community. People are terrified. They might connect with each other on phones or by text message but they are more isolated.

From listening to the two presentations, it appears that the situation is getting worse and there is not much support. The IFA said earlier that more people are not reporting because nothing is done. I refer to burglaries where farming equipment is taken. The impact of such incidents is significant. If a farmer, elderly or not, feels threatened, God only knows what could happen. If he is fearful, he might react to something that may not be the reality. It sounds like there is a huge problem.

Reference was made to the rural crime task force model in England. I wish to focus on preventative models. Do the witnesses think there is some way of creating a suitable model? Ms Starnes gave an example of what happens in Laois. Does she think the model works to prevent crime? If not, is there a strategy to ensure prevention and to create a feeling of safety within a community whereby people feel safe?