Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Mattie McGrath has taken all the time. We should do what is wanted by the people out the country being affected by thieves, blackguards and criminals. When dealing with serial offenders, we should give them no bail or legal aid. The first day they are caught they should go before a judge and be jailed right away. Waste no more time or money with them as that is the way they should be dealt with. This applies especially to those people convicted before courts for other crimes. They should not be treated the same as the poor person with a single misdemeanour who is entitled to bail or free legal aid. In cases of serial offenders, like in America, the day after being caught they should be brought before the judge and jailed right away. They should get no other chance as that is what they deserve. They do not appreciate what is right and wrong and they should be made to understand it.

Garda stations have been closed in rural Ireland and I call on the Minister to reopen them, particularly as they had a positive effect in the past. They were there since the foundation of the State. In good times and bad, we kept them open. The Government is boasting that the country has been turned around and things are flying again. If that is the case the Garda stations should be opened as the people in rural areas want them opened again. The Government will reopen Stepaside all right for the fellow who is giving that proposal support.

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