Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to get into a row about the statistics. My biggest problem with the statistics the Minister of State has given to the House is that when it comes to reported crimes, one is only as good as the information one is fed. The statistics seem to suggest that crime is decreasing, but my own little simple survey of seven people against whom crimes have been perpetrated found that those crimes were reported in just three cases. In such circumstances, how can we say that what the Minister of State has just told the House is 100% correct? I am not blaming anyone. It is nobody's fault. The amount of crime going unreported is distorting the figures. I have knowledge of the situation on the ground because I travel extensively throughout County Kerry. I feel that I know every back road and front road in the county. My own personal experience leads me to believe crime is actually increasing. That is why I want to raise this matter here today. I want to try to explain that. I am not fighting about it. I am not trying to blame anyone for it. I just want to highlight what I honestly consider to be a serious problem.

I wanted to get the message out that law-abiding people will not stand by and let these people think they can do what they like. People work terribly hard. Whether it is a bit of money or a few possessions, it is theirs. It did not fall into their laps. No one has the right to intimidate people.

I will give you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, one simple quick story that will put a smile on your face.

See this speech in context