Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to raise this important issue. I also thank Deputy Niall Collins for sharing time.

I do not propose to discuss the national issues that arise in this regard in the short time available to me. My concern is focused on my constituency, particularly the Littleton-Thurles area, which is experiencing a severe crime epidemic. Members of the public have expressed serious concerns about this epidemic and I ask the Minister of State to set out the Minister's plans to address it. I regret the Minister is not present, although I understand she is engaged in negotiations in Brussels and I wish her well in that regard.

As I stated, there has been serious concern about crime in the Littleton-Thurles area for some time. Chief Superintendent Kehoe of the Tipperary division has done excellent work. While crime detection has increased, the level of crime is extremely high and the chief superintendent is operating with her hands tied behind her back. Thanks to the previous Government, the Tipperary Garda district is short 37 gardaí. The division covers six districts, two which of were merged to make the position look better. Counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford each have three Garda divisions. The Tipperary division is experiencing a severe manpower shortage and Garda visibility on the ground is a serious problem. People in the area want this matter addressed. Garda operations such as Operation Infinity and Operation Anvil should be extended to the Tipperary area.

See this speech in context