Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me in. The Commissioner is very welcome.

In regard to the Garda station in Meath east, around the Laytown and Bettystown area, is a vital piece of infrastructure that we need there on the coast. The current one is in the middle of a housing estate and is totally unsuitable for the needs of the growing population on the east coast.

In regard to drug intimidation supports for families, many young fellows, and these days many young women, and their families are in huge debt because of drug dealing. A great deal of intimidation is going on. People have to sell their houses to get out of debt. What supports are there for families? On supports for victims of human trafficking, what is the procedure for the victims when someone reports they have been trafficked into this country? What does An Garda Síochána do?

In regard to the body cameras legislation coming to the Seanad tomorrow, the calibration of these cameras is extremely important. The current cameras that would have AMPR, or any recording device need to calibrated. It is a cost to the State but if it is not calibrated that evidence cannot be used in court, if it is not doing what it is supposed to be doing. Having the system calibrated, making sure that it is working correctly, is really important.

Regarding recruitment, this is a serious issue for young recruits when they are sent to Dublin or any of the major cities, because accommodation is probably one of the biggest drawbacks for An Garda Síochána. Is there any way that a number of the stations in the Dublin area can be amalgamated so that one of those stations can be converted into accommodation for Garda recruits and officers?

The revolving door system that exists there in relation to the Irish Prison Service is unbelievable. In June 2023 there were 4,651 people in prison of whom 182 were on mattresses. There is a huge overcrowding issue in our prisons. The overcrowding rate in Clover Hill is at 110%, Mountjoy it is 100% and in Limerick it is 108%.