Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Many party colleagues who represent rural constituencies mention to me the major problem of crime in rural communities, particularly that perpetrated against farmers through the theft of agricultural equipment. Deputy Cahill recently brought a delegation from County Tipperary to discuss with me ongoing crime issues in the county. This issue is not confined to Tipperary but affects all areas, especially in the countryside.

A recent survey carried out by one of the farming organisations showed that ongoing agricultural crime was creating significant costs to individual farmers who had been victims of these crimes. The statistics indicate that rural crime is costing €2.4 million per annum, with an average cost of €4,300 for each farming victim. Large numbers of farmers have had equipment stolen. They know that individuals come in to the community, case the area, spot where equipment is being kept and take it and other items required to run a farm, including diesel.

I note the Minister's comments on Operation Thor. While the operation has undoubtedly been a success, the problem has not been solved. The Minister refers to statistics showing a decline in the number of burglaries but if the figures are broken down, I do not believe they will show a decline in the number of burglaries in rural communities. This problem is faced by all members of the farming community and it is becoming more significant. New measures are needed to deal with it.

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