Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

More than €2.5 million was provided in 2017 for a range of projects in the key areas of crime, drugs, education, training and employment opportunities, services for families and young people, and, of course, physical improvements to infrastructure in the community.

The Deputy referred to the North-South aspect. It is probably true to say there has never been better co-operation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI than there is today. We need to ensure through Brexit and post Brexit that co-operation is maintained and sustained so that vulnerable people who are being targeted by criminal gangs are protected North and South, and that the movement of gangs across the Border is addressed in as comprehensive a way as we can address it from a security point of view.

The Government does not disagree with the concerns here. The shootings in the past week are horrific. We need to ask constantly if we can do more. I assure the Deputy that resources are not the problem here. If An Garda Síochána asks for more, for example, an increased emphasis on community policing and more resources for that, the Government's response will be very positive. Resources are not the issue here. From a policing perspective we need to listen to and work with An Garda Síochána on what it needs. From a broader community development perspective we need to reassess constantly.

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