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

It is probably the finest place a person could be privileged enough to represent. However, from a policing point of view it brings its own problems. I thank the Minister very much for taking time out from his busy schedule during the summer to visit County Kerry. He was kind enough to visit Garda stations where he listened attentively to the issues and concerns raised by local gardaí on the ground, including senior members of the Garda. I very much appreciated that. However, the position has worsened in respect of some of the issues we discussed with the Minister at that time. Since taking up his position, the new Garda Commissioner has said that things cannot continue as they were. For things to continue as they were, the Garda would need to have their existing resources maintained. However, cuts in overtime have resulted in many areas in County Kerry having a non-existent service. I know the Minister is not happy with that and does not want to stand over it. Unfortunately, it has led to members of the force being injured during their work. There have also been a number of assaults on gardaí, both male and female, in County Kerry. That is not acceptable, either in the past, present or future. I want the public to be assured in that regard. Whether it is from Valentia Island to Tarbert or from Ballyferriter to Gneeveguilla or Scartaglen, County Kerry is a massive county. It is a beautiful county but it is massive, and it takes a great deal of resources to police it properly.

The Minister may remember we discussed situations that arise at night when gardaí are in a patrol car. He fully understood the need to have three rather than two gardaí in a Garda vehicle in such circumstances. We asked him for that at the time but even two gardaí in one car would be a luxury. We were looking for three gardaí as a necessity but now we realise it would be a luxury because many parts of the county do not have a Garda car with one garda in it, never mind three gardaí.

Those are my concerns and those of the people on the ground. As the Minister knows, unfortunately, drugs have become an issue in places where we never had a drug culture or a drug problem previously. I remind him again that in late May or early June, we had a large public meeting in Cahirciveen in County Kerry, which was attended by hundreds of people and also senior gardaí. I appreciate and acknowledge their attendance. They were kind enough to come and give of their time and answer all the questions asked of them at a public forum, which was very worthwhile. Following that meeting, we highlighted our concerns to the Minister. I ask him to give whatever assurances he can give in that regard.

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