David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister, I thank the Deputy again for giving the House an opportunity to debate this matter. It is right that we should highlight and discuss issues of importance for County Meath and the country as a whole. I will be happy to pass the Deputy's views on these matters on to the Minister. I have dealt in general terms with the response to crime and anti-social behaviour. I hope this has been of some help to the Deputy. I emphasise the importance of the joint policing committees, which pull together representatives of local authorities and communities. When I served on a joint policing committee for a number of years, I found it an extremely useful way to raise issues. The Minister has asked me to say that if the Deputy has concerns about any particular towns or localities, he will bring those concerns to the attention of the Garda authorities. If the Deputy wants to write to the Minister on these specific issues, he would welcome that as well. I have already outlined the immediate response to street crime and anti-social behaviour. It is clearly a matter for local Garda management to make decisions on how to handle and deploy their resources. Having said that, the Government is determined that every appropriate support will be provided to assist local gardaí in confronting crime and protecting communities. There will be another passing-out parade next week. This means that further gardaí will be going on the streets. We are continuing to recruit trainees to increase Garda numbers as fast as we can. We are providing other facilities, supports and services as well. The Deputy is correct when he says that the State owns various facilities around the country where services can be provided. I have personal experience of being involved in such a project in my local area. A building was made available to the local community when it came together to take on a project and provide important services like those he has mentioned. I will relay his remarks to the Minister.

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