Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Given that activity is increasing, even returning to the staff levels that applied before they were decimated will not cut it. The Minister referred to the Garda Commissioner. As he will be aware, we have had carnage and a great deal of blood spilled in the north inner city. Is this what we are waiting for before the budget will be increased? The Garda Commissioner sought an increase in the Garda budget and €5 million was provided. It is not acceptable to claim that staff levels are increasing when clearly they are not keeping up with demand. Activity levels are increasing month on month and year on year, but staffing levels are not matching the increases. I do not know if the Minister speaks to front-line staff, but I have spoken to nurses, porters and home helps and they are at crisis point. They have heard from the Minister and other Cabinet members that some recovery is under way, but they do not see one when they look around.

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