Mr. Paddy Byrne:

I will comment on a number of issues. Deputy McGrath raised the whole question of the text alert system and the dangers that lie therein. Those dangers will be there regardless of whether we have text alert. We see text alert as a major benefit. We insist that all our affiliated members and community alert groups follow the guidelines that we lay down as strictly as possible. These were implemented by us in conjunction with the Garda Síochána. We hope that this would deter people from taking a more extreme route.

We have had much debate on rural crime. It would seem that all crime, in particular rural crime, is committed by extreme criminals and perhaps we are all a little bit responsible for that extremeness. If one looks at free legal aid, an offender can commit a number of different crimes, yet is able to carry on forever committing crimes without any sort of penalty or clause. We should ask ourselves if we are fostering a situation in which we are creating extreme criminals over a period of time. If all these other things were put in place and if people were sanctioned, perhaps by deductions in social welfare, the denial of free legal aid or changes to our bail laws, it would help to counteract the extreme element that exists.

I wish to point out that only an extreme element is involved in criminal activities. I shall not mention particular cases. However, in a recent case seven individuals broke into a family home which was an horrific experience for the victims and one can only imagine what they suffered. I have outlined all of these elements and we look for support in order to change the situation.

There is another element which is of huge concern in rural areas and it is one that crops up repeatedly. Community alert groups and community councils have told us about the issue of cash for scrap and cash for gold. It is accepted now that most farm machinery that is stolen in this country is cut down and sold for cash.