Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the setting up of the task force as a positive step but far more needs to be done. We have operations that only target motorways but we have heard reports that these criminals are now using back roads into communities. Communities just do not feel safe. Their confidence has been shaken. If we look at the reporting of agricultural crime, we can see that 45% was not reported. That clearly shows a lack of confidence in the system and that people are almost giving up and despairing. People in rural communities are not asking for anything to which they are not entitled. We want a fair chance and fair play. We want our gardaí on the ground, as it used to be when gardaí were visible and were always present or when local gardaí also acted in the community and struck up a great rapport with those communities. We are calling for that to be restored. We are calling for these communities to receive fair play. I ask the Minister to call for increased numbers of gardaí because they are warranted. Hundreds of people in my community come to my office to ask for it.

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