Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I said earlier, I appreciate the Tánaiste is doing her best to improve the situation but the improvements cannot come fast enough. There is a huge number of gardaí out there who are simply not enjoying going to work. We need to pick up morale again within An Garda Síochána and we need to resource and finance it properly. Gardaí need to know they have the support of this Government.

On the bail laws, the Tánaiste is proposing to bring in changes which the Government has undertaken to fast track. I am hoping this will come in before the Christmas recess.

I am aware of a case in my constituency in which the Garda spent weeks surveilling a gang that was carrying out burglaries. The gang was apprehended and brought before the courts, but they were let out again and re-offended. That is bringing down morale in An Garda Síochána. I again urge the Tánaiste to continue the improvements, resource the Garda properly and give gardaí the proper financial support they require. Will the Tánaiste also outline what she proposes to do about the bail laws to stop these people being released to offend again?

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