Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a matter of considerable concern and one of priority for the Minister for Justice and Equality. Obviously, Government has made a decision to reopen Templemore. Next year, 600 gardaí are to be recruited and there will be €27 million for the vehicles and facilities that gardaí need to do their job. We witnessed the terrible murder of Garda Tony Golden only last weekend.

The case Deputy Martin mentions was horrific and leaves a traumatic effect on families for many years. There are a number of issues here that the Minister will address this week. The Deputy will have seen reports of further facilities for gardaí to do their job, which can be very dangerous in some of these particular circumstances. The Minister for Justice and Equality will deal with elements of this this week.

There are two bail Bills. One will be before the House on Thursday next at Second Stage. That is dealing with burglary of houses and consecutive sentencing. Then there is a second bail Bill, the heads of which were approved in July last, which is a more general Bill. Obviously, that is proceeding.

In respect of re-offending on bail, there have been a number of offences here. The number of sexual offences recorded as being committed by persons on bail has fallen by one third, from 32 to 22 in 2014.

The number of robbery offences has decreased from 556 to 476, burglary offences from 1,957 to 1,865 and weapons offences from 571 to 457.

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