Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Independent Alliance on moving the motion and commend the support groups, including Community Alert, Muintir na Tíre, and farm and community groups that are making, with An Garda Síochána, the best efforts on behalf of communities. However, the problem remains urban and rural isolation. People are living in terror and fear, including fear of gangs and often of drug-fuelled repeat offenders. Last year gardaí in the Louth Garda division had to deal with five murders, in addition to two ongoing murder investigations. Three of those charged with three of the five murders were on bail and that is not to mention the well known drug feud in Drogheda, of which the Minister is well aware.

I do not want to delay the debate other than to say I support many of the suggestions made. I will not go into the issue of CCTV systems, as I could talk about it for a week. Instead I will provide some thoughts for the Minister's consideration on the practicalities of dealing with the surge in crime across communities.

I might not be supported in suggesting that we should consider extending the option of voluntary deferment of retirement to gardaí who wish to continue to serve in the force. Perhaps that option could be made available until we have reached the required recruitment levels. Such a measure would allow the Garda to keep the experience that is needed. I also suggest that we should set up a lo-call community alert number on a regional basis, and on a cross-Border basis around the Border, so that people can call a very recognisable number to make contact with monitored answering systems within their regions. That raises the whole issue of regional crime, to which others have referred.

There should be no bail for repeat offenders. There should be electronic tagging, especially of those who are involved in gun crime. There should be zero tolerance of the use of all offensive weapons. I have looked at the statistics for repeat offenders for the years between 2013 and 2017. Sex offences increased by 33% during that time. Robbery, hijacking and extortion increased by 20%. Thefts increased by 75%. Other offences against the State and the Government doubled.

The authorities in County Louth have been looking at the very successful Theft Stop scheme, which has been in operation in the Monaghan region. Individuals and communities should be proactively encouraged to avail of this scheme, which involves the marking of vehicles and equipment. Insurance companies should be supported in offering reduced insurance premiums to people who avail of the scheme, which should be rolled out nationally.

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