Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government, as the Taoiseach is aware, commits on page 98 to ensuring that there is "visible, effective and responsive policing" in all of our communities. We are all very aware of the incident that occurred in Offaly, where a farmer was viciously assaulted following a break-in. Prior to that incident, however, this issue was being raised constantly because rural crime, whether we like it or not, is increasing. The figures might not show that but it is increasing. What actions are being taken? How do rural communities know that they are being taken seriously and are being listened to? I have had it brought to my attention that there are Garda cars parked outside Garda stations in Offaly because there are not enough gardaí to drive those cars and to patrol areas. That is unacceptable.

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