Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste's reference to a Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Justice and Equality shows how little a handle she has of the issue of crime in Dublin because the Supplementary Estimate went towards plugging the deficit in payroll costs in An Garda Síochána this year. An Garda Síochána is trying to do its job in Dublin city centre with one arm tied behind its back because of a lack of resources.

The Tánaiste said she had met Mr. Richard Guiney, CEO of the Dublin City Business Association, but she did not tell us what she intended to do to address his concerns because the association has asked for a number of specific issues to be addressed. Unfortunately, given the lack of detail, those who are concerned, including members of the public who live in Dublin city centre, are less than reassured by the Tánaiste's comments that she is listening with real concern on the issues being raised.

What is her response, as deputy leader of the Government, to these concerns? Does she feel Dublin city centre is adequately resourced and policed in terms of the resources available to An Garda Síochána to deal with the issues arising? When people come to Dublin to work and to socialise, or as tourists, they want a positive experience. Unfortunately, there is a disconnect in this regard and when one looks beneath surface appearances, one sees problems in the city centre, in Temple Bar, along O'Connell Street and on the Liffey boardwalk. These problems are not being addressed and I do not get a sense of urgency in the Tánaiste's comments in dealing with the issue adequately. What undertakings, if any, did she give to Mr. Guiney and his colleagues in the various associations and how does she intend to deal with the problem?

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