Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

If the Government had not reneged on its promise, more gardaí would be on the beat and there would have been a reduction in petty crime, intimidation and anti-social behaviour. The blame for the continuation of these crimes lays firmly at the door of the Government due its failure to deliver on its promise. The additional gardaí have not been recruited and trained nor are they on the street. They cannot contribute to the enforcement of law and order because they have not been recruited as a result of the Government's failure to meet its commitment.

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