Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the programme for Government a commitment was given to ensuring a strong and visible policing force in every community. However, in Cavan-Monaghan we have seen a surge in crime. It has increased by 36%, with over 483 burglaries last year. Only in the last month we have seen horrific, callous aggravated burglaries committed against the elderly, one of who was held at gunpoint in my constituency. The Garda did a fantastic job in apprehending these criminals. However, the Garda in my constituency are working with very stretched, minimal resources and is without the full complement of manpower it deserves. At the recent Garda Representative Association, GRA, conference real concerns were expressed about Garda policing in the Border region in the context of Brexit looming. There was a call for over 1,000 gardaí to be stationed in the area, with over 200 potential border crossings in the Cavan-Monaghan area alone.

Will the Taoiseach give a commitment to the concerns of gardaí relating to the manpower and the resources that are badly needed in that area?

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