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

With regard to repeat offenders, I have already brought forward much stronger legislation to provide that those who are involved in serial and repeat burglaries will serve consecutive sentences. I expect that will be, and is being, implemented by the courts. That legislation was passed quickly by the House and received all-party support. I thank Members for that. The bail Bill which will be published later in this term will provide for the use of electronic tagging and will give the Garda more power to request electronic tagging. It will also provide for more severe penalties for those who break bail conditions. It will be strong legislation to deter repeat offenders and to ensure the community is protected from those who would seek to commit crime.

With regard to the Garda, if the strike goes ahead the various units that will be available have been outlined. They will include the emergency response unit, the regional support units, the protection and national surveillance units, the special detective units, the intelligence sections and the drugs units. The Garda associations are working with the Garda Commissioner to ensure, if the strike goes ahead, that the public gets a basic policing service and that their safety is guaranteed as much as possible in the current situation.

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