Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There has been a very significant increase in the number of homes in rural areas being attacked and burgled. We all listened in horror to the story of the farmer who lived on his own in Offaly being burgled, attacked and consequently hospitalised. The four-man gang made their quick escape in a powerful high-speed car. In the past six weeks there were 35 aggravated burglaries undertaken by gangs in County Cork. The gangs are well known to the Garda. They have become quite sophisticated in how they organise themselves. Apparently they no longer use the motorways but use the older primary routes. Senior security sources are quoted in the media as saying these gangs are winning the war and are taunting An Garda Síochána.

Rural communities do not feel secure. They do not believe enough is being done. CCTV is very limited on motorways. The Garda presence is historically down. Many rural Garda stations are closed. They have not had the same fortune as Stepaside. The programme for Government is very clear that there would be increased support in investment in CCTV at key locations along the national road network and in urban centres to deal specifically with these issues. Will the Taoiseach or the Minister outline how much extra has been invested in CCTV and the Garda fleet to prevent rural crime? Is the Government considering a fresh crackdown to follow on from Operation Thor to address this latest phase of very violent attacks?

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