Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. It is interesting to hear what Deputies have to say. They have ranged wide and far across a broad range of issues. What we have tried to do is address the series of issues and difficulties that have arisen in relation to An Garda Síochána. It is unfortunate that some of the events, some of the difficulties that have arisen, have occurred.

I am conscious that the men and women of An Garda Síochána do their duty by the State every day. They place their lives at risk every day. They are focused on the prevention of crime and the investigation of crime, bringing before the courts those who have committed crimes, and do their best to ensure that appropriate prosecutions are taken and are successful. That is the main job of An Garda Síochána day in, day out.

During the period I have been Minister for Justice and Equality, we have seen a dramatic reduction in the level of crime. We have seen, under the leadership of the now retired Garda Commissioner, Mr. Martin Callinan, a series of targeted Garda operations that have resulted in a substantial reduction in crime across every category in the State bar two, but an overall reduction in crime.

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