Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too welcome the opportunity to speak on this important Bill. As all rural Deputies are aware, there is considerable concern in rural communities about the recent increase in burglaries. While the rise in numbers is a concern, the issue of fear is relevant too, particularly among older and vulnerable people. From this point of view, it is important that the Minister deal with the issue now.

The problems are compounded by the fact that some of these burglaries are carried out by city-based criminals who are using extreme violence against any person they come into contact with. Earlier this year, in response to the problem, the Minister instigated an urgent broad review of the criminal justice system. This Bill is the result of the review. As the Minister pointed out, the Bill is designed to keep repeat burglars off the street and improve the safety of our communities. I welcome the fact that the Bill proposes the refusal of bail as well as tougher sentences for repeat offenders. Importantly, the Bill requires the District Court to provide for consecutive jail sentences where a robber is being sentenced for multiple offences. In the past, the practice of passing concurrent sentences for multiple crimes meant the burglar was back on the streets in a relatively short time. Another major issue for the public is the fact that the people who carry out theft are often released on bail despite the fact that other charges are still pending. Moreover, concurrent sentencing for multiple crimes actually encourages criminals to commit a series of crimes while on bail. While we accept that under the Constitution the granting of bail or otherwise is a matter for the courts, this legislation will strengthen the criminal justice system and the power of the courts.

Section 1 amends section 2 of the Bail Act. Section 2 will insert a new section 54A, which deals with the issue of concurrent sentencing. These new measures are vital because of the importance Irish people place on their homes and their right to feel safe and secure in them. Any person who has been robbed in his or her home knows it is a serious offence. The people who carry out these offences should be punished. It is important that a person's home is given special recognition in our Constitution. The Constitution states, "The dwelling of every citizen is inviolable and shall not be forcibly entered save in accordance with law."

In addition to the new legislation, the Minister recently announced an allocation of €700,000 for the Garda Síochána fleet. This is for the purchase of specialised vehicles to support the Garda in tackling highly mobile criminal gangs. While acknowledging and commending the Minister's action, I am keen to pay tribute to the gardaí and the communities they work with. These include the people who set up the neighbourhood watch and text messaging alerts and the community groups who have erected street cameras. All these initiatives help the Garda in fighting this type of crime.

I was reminded of a story today involving someone who was robbed in Cork. He was a cameraman and his camera was stolen. Immediately he went to digital media and sent out a text to the local radio station. A campaign gathered momentum in a matter of minutes. The Garda became involved. Someone who had noticed people acting strangely rang in and provided identification. The Garda followed it up and traced the stolen goods back to the house. The Garda entered the house and found the equipment. We should be mindful of the new ways of dealing with crime today. We should use them and all the technology available. Cameras are a major issue for communities. If possible, more funding should be made available for them. We would all benefit greatly.

I commend the Minister on her review of the Garda Síochána. Let us consider the way things were done. Things have changed and we need to start moving with the times and implementing the recommended changes. Crime is getting more technical and more technologically oriented. There is a great deal more we can do that could help to prevent it. I compliment the Minister on her efforts.

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