Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister. If I may raise an issue for the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Ceann Comhairle, given the manner in which replies are given in this format, I note Members do not have access to the aforementioned table. Perhaps, with his Dáil reform hat on, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle might look into this matter. However, the key message is five people have not been replaced since 2010. I will give the Minister an example of the impact this is having. One of those not replaced is in Tipperary. I have been contacted by a group in Tipperary and by Councillor Siobhán Ambrose on this matter. When the assistance of a crime prevention officer is needed in Tipperary the appointed officer in Waterford is called in. This situation has been ongoing since December 2010.

Given the Minister's earlier response in regard to burglary statistics, it is a matter of priority that there be a crime prevention officer in every county to drive home the message of burglary prevention. I am not sure what extra salary or allowances a crime prevention officer receives. However, five counties have been without a crime prevention officer since December 2010. While I understand every garda is involved in crime prevention work and that all gardaí are currently under huge pressure, the crime prevention officer has a specific role and mandate with which people and communities can identify. I ask that the Minister strongly suggest to Garda management that these vacancies be filled as a matter of urgency.

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