Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

While we are dealing with two different issues, I do not underestimate the issue of dissident activity, either in Border areas or further afield. There is no doubt that this is the case. However, a general point regarding Border areas is there has been a 10% decrease in crime between 2008 and the first two quarters of 2009, from 14,774 to 13,430 occurrences. Moreover, there has been a realignment of divisional areas whereby all Border areas now are under the aegis of a single assistant commissioner, whose headquarters is based in County Cavan. Deputy McHugh of Fine Gael acknowledged in this House last week that while there was a problem in County Donegal, due to the excellent work of the Garda with the local community, this now has ceased.

As for the other issues to which the Deputy referred, of course the Garda and I are aware of them. However, I strongly suggest the Deputy should be careful not to publicise the issue of dissident activity, because they undoubtedly constitute a serious threat to our society on both sides of the Border. However, I caution that the Deputy should be careful about giving undue attention to this issue. While I do not suggest he is doing so on purpose, this tends to publicise their activities rather than trying to contain them.

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