Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government is very strong in protecting rural people and rural communities. I attended an IFA meeting in Nenagh last Monday week at which dozens of farmers and householders stated they are terrorised in their homes. The Garda is doing its best considering that it does not have enough resources but I was shocked to hear a senior garda state there is no provision in law to deal with trespassing unless it can be proven there was intent to commit a crime. There are marauding gangs of people going around hunting with dogs without muzzles and killing hares illegally. They are also threatening and intimidating farmers and others. The gardaí are unable to deal with them. They do not have the tools or manpower. Will the Taoiseach write to the Law Reform Commission to ascertain whether we can amend the law? When people are trespassing and asked to leave, they threaten to damage the property or to cut wires or water pipes. They are intimidating and terrorising the people of Tipperary and many other communities.

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