Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again emphasise the need for community initiatives in rural areas and particularly community alert and neighbourhood watch schemes in bigger towns. For some years it was difficult to establish a community alert scheme in a town because people were not directly affected by this type of crime. However, these days meetings in rural areas to discuss the establishment of community alert and neighbourhood watch schemes are well attended. A useful tool in community alert schemes is texting by mobile phone which has proved very effective. I have been in people's homes at the time they have received text messages about unusual events occurring in the area and I know this provide them with great assurance. They often also receive follow-up texts providing an explanation for what has happened. Resources are badly needed in this regard and it is welcome that such a measure will be supported by the Minister. Texting arrangements are crucially important in the reporting of unusual activity.

Perhaps the Minister of State might respond to my query about recruitment and the provision of Garda vehicles which are important in dealing with crime and vandalism, as occurred in the case of Fr. O'Brien. As regards attacks on people's homes, as has happened on many occasions in the case of people living alone, particularly the elderly, the focus of the Minister and the Garda Síochána should be on ensuring those committing these crimes are dealt with.

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