Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In light of the number of Fianna Fáil Deputies who want to contribute to this debate, it could go on for a full day. Members are trying to get their points across in a minute or a minute and a half. That shows the level of frustration and fear that exists across the country, not just in rural areas but also in urban ones. In bringing forward this motion, we want to highlight the issue. We want to send a powerful message that this is one of the top issues. All of the Deputies who will contribute to this debate operate in their communities and their constituents are telling them about their experiences and their fears. Every part of the country has been affected by a spate of burglaries and we need the Government to tune in to this crisis.

Deputy O'Callaghan facilitated a meeting last week and it could have gone on for hours as people outlined their genuine experiences. Young people, old people and everyone else experiences fear because of crime in communities. A clear and strong message must go out to the effect that this is a real crisis that is facing communities.

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