Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The members of the Garda Síochána have a special place in our society. They are the guardians of our peace, they keep us safe as individuals and protect our property. Gardaí never were and should never be a so-called legitimate target of criminals and thugs masquerading as republicans. Gardaí have earned and deserve our total respect and support.

Basic Garda pay has traditionally been supplemented by overtime and allowances which have now been greatly reduced or eliminated. Employment terms and conditions must be sufficient to allow gardaí have a reasonable standard of living that affords them to do the normal things such as marry, raise a family, own a home and live a normal life.

Templemore Garda College in my constituency has effectively been closed since this Government came to power. The college looks abandoned and Templemore has become a ghost business town.

In every aspect of their working lives gardaí have seen resources slashed and their working conditions made more challenging. They are being shackled in the fight against crime. Garda numbers have declined and continue to be reduced. The surge in early retirements of professional, highly trained and skilled members has left a huge deficit in the experience levels within the force.

This Government has failed to equip gardaí with adequate quality vehicles to fight well-resourced criminals. Garda cars are not taken out of service until they have clocked a ridiculously high 350,000 km. Even then cars taken from service are not being replaced. Tipperary alone has lost 14 vehicles since 2010.

Rural stations in Tipperary and across the country have been targeted for closure by this Government devastating local communities and resulting in huge fear, trepidation and anxiety in the communities affected. Garda divisions are being merged and due to that policy Templemore Garda district is to be dismantled.

These continued erosions of Garda resources have resulted in disillusionment and poor morale among its members. The reduction in Garda cover has led to unprecedented levels of fear across all sections of our society. Older people, particularly in rural areas, are living in fear locked in their homes, terrified at the prospect of being burgled and shocked by the stories of violence against our elderly. Families, home owners and farmers are faced with the reality of having to take significant steps to protect themselves against the increasing prevalence of break-ins, theft of vehicles and fuel oil. These communities have seen their security ripped away and their viability undermined.

A reduction in Garda numbers is a ministerial and governmental policy initiative to save money. It is not about better policing; it is about cutbacks. It is a false economy to continue to undermine our gardaí in this way. The reality is that crime is rising and criminals are increasingly sophisticated. We must protect our protectors and ensure that every possible resource is made available to assist them in this challenging and brave work.

See this speech in context