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

The information I am receiving from colleagues does not support the Minister's statistical analysis. It suggests that a significant problem remains and that the decline in crime, as indicated by the Minister, has not occurred. The Minister also indicated that he wishes to support community-based support groups. This support is important. The Minister will have received an email from the secretary of the Lisdoonvarna, Doolin and Kilshanny community text alert group, which has 223 paid up members. The email brought to my attention and that of other Deputies the fact that VAT is charged on texts being sent by a community group. We need to take innovative measures to ensure individuals who are offering community based solutions to the problem of rural crime receive State support. It is not good enough to indicate that the Government will provide gardaí who will support people in rural areas. We must support individuals who are doing their best to pursue a community-based approach to protecting agricultural products. This could involve reducing or abolishing VAT on text schemes.

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