Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We return to the subject of the Garda Commissioner operating within his resources. It is a bit like a farmer who asks his neighbour to feed cattle but only gives enough feed for half of the cattle to be fed. One cannot blame the neighbour if some of the cattle starve. It is up to the Minister to provide because the buck stops with him.

I have read many reports. Every Deputy and Senator can provide a report from Garda Síochána members on the ground about the impact of vehicles. I am sure the Minister of State has heard stories about gardaí going to petrol stations and fuel cards being refused. There are also stories of gardaí not being able to respond to crime because of the limit on the fuel allowance and milage. There is a major crisis and, at some point, the voices of the rank and file Garda members and public representatives across the country must be heard. The Government cannot continue to lay responsibility at the door of the Garda Commissioner. When will this stop happening? When will the Minister say that the budget has been provided, that it is not sufficient and that the Minister will try to do something about it?

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