In light of recent killings in Northern Ireland and the spate of robberies along the Border, especially in my constituency of Donegal North-East, I call on the Minister to request the Garda Commissioner to review Garda numbers along the Border. It is especially pertinent at this time because in my constituency and in a number of regions along the Border there has been an increase in the number of robberies in recent months. Even in recent weeks in my own constituency and in the other constituency in Donegal, namely Donegal South-West, there has been a very significant increase in the spate of robberies. While I recognise that there have been breakthroughs by the Garda Síochána, I fear dissident activities are taking place which may have fuelled the incidents or funded some of the dissident organisations, which we have seen carry out scurrilous work in Northern Ireland. I refer to the three killings of the past number of days.

In some weeks time as co-chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly I will host a plenary conference in Donegal. There are immediate concerns related to security matters. Only this evening I spoke with the other co-chair, Mr. Peter Hain, MP, who will attend along with a number of other Members of Parliament. There is concern about recent events and it is something we must review to ensure security is stepped up. Of late there have been several post office robberies along the Border, affecting such areas as Carrigans, Muff, Bridgend and Newtowncunningham. Shops, bookmakers and small businesses are under pressure. Many people are living in fear whether their business is a post office, a shop or a bookmaker's. The situation is causing undue hardship. Some people are wondering if they are safe in continuing their business or if they would be better off wrapping it up. Such people are somewhat insecure at present.

Since the Good Friday Agreement there has been a step down in the number of gardaí directly along the Border, although not throughout Donegal. The Minister should contact the Garda Commissioner with a view to having security along the Border reviewed, especially in my constituency of Donegal North-East. I seek such a review and a situation whereby the Garda Commissioner is comfortable with the presence of gardaí directly along the Border. If there was a proper presence in this area, there would be less illegal activity.

There is a possibility of dissident involvement in fuel laundering along the Border. I am especially concerned about such activity in my constituency. I believe that some public houses are possibly owned by dissidents. We must take a hard look at all those in business, their background and from where they have come. We must be smarter about dealing with security along the Border.

I recognise the good work of the Garda in Donegal. I am aware of the extent of the co-operation between the Garda and the PSNI, the Police Service of Northern Ireland. I am also aware that one member of the PSNI is currently transferred to a station in Letterkenny. Such activity and work of the Garda are to be welcomed. However, the presence of gardaí directly along the Border must be stepped up. I urge the Minister to meet the Garda Commissioner and request him to review the situation and provide the House with an update.

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