Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We did have an economic crisis. Templemore College was closed. Thankfully, with the economic situation improved it has been re-opened and we can invest further in the type of resources the Garda Síochána need. We have seen the success of Operation Thor. The 26% success rate in that regard was officially confirmed in the CSO figures released today. As the Deputy has acknowledged, locally, criminal gangs are being apprehended and rural crime levels have decreased. There is no question of that. This is the result of focused policing, over-time provision and a greater focus on burglaries. We should see the impact of the new legislation in this area in our courts in the coming months. Consecutive sentences will be imposed on burglars, which is a very big deterrent. We are committed to ongoing work to make communities such as the Deputy's safer.

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