Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

When I reply to Deputies' questions the figures do not suit them. The figure was reduced to 25 crimes per thousand of the population. There is a significant decrease in crime, based on the facts. As long as any crime infringes on people's rights, all we can do in a democracy is to resource the Garda, increase its numbers and assist in whatever way we can to fight criminals in the limited areas of significant crime. Senior gardaí have made it clear they experience persistent difficulties in a limited number of areas.

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