Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I wish to thank the Office of the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me and Deputy O'Donovan to raise this issue. While I have the utmost respect for the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, it is disappointing that the Minister for Justice and Equality is not present. Deputy Shatter was able to leave the Seanad 30 minutes ago to make a good news announcement but he cannot be here to listen to this matter.

Deputy O'Donovan is correct in saying that there is currently huge fear in rural communities over burglaries. The Minister of State will be aware of this also. In the Sligo-Leitrim region last year burglaries increased by 30%, in Laois-Offaly by 32% and in Meath by 40%. I acknowledge that the Garda is operating Operation Fiacla to target gangs. However, there is frustration in communities because when such people are picked up, they are not afraid of the law. There is no set policy on sentencing, despite the terror such people cause.

I wish to extend our good wishes to the victims and families of those involved in the incidents in Tuam and Limerick last week. Such incidents are happening all over the country but they do not get media publicity in the way those two did. It is, however, very unusual for that kind of incident to occur during the summer. Such incidents are normally associated with the long winter nights but they are now happening in broad daylight. Gangs do not seem to have any fear of the law or of the consequences of being caught.

The issue of mandatory sentencing needs to be examined. Deputy O'Donovan is right to say that a strict sentencing procedure is required, with no remission. The kind of incidents that occurred in Galway and Limerick last week, are also happening all over the country. People of any age but particularly the elderly who have served their communities and the State, do not deserve to live in fear. They most certainly do not deserve that kind of violence to be perpetrated upon them. The full force of the law should be applied to those who perpetrate it. They also need to know that when caught they will face a minimum sentence and will not receive any remission.

In addition, gangs should be investigated by the Criminal Assets Bureau given the kind of financial assets that seem to be available to them. If we hit them at every level, we might be able to give some sort of peace and security to older people in this country.

See this speech in context