Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In supporting this Private Members' motion, which has been proposed by the Rural Independent Group, I am conscious that some rural dwellers have been subjected to the most brutal treatment by people who have violated their homes and their properties. While all of that is terrible, I expect that the predominant thought in all our minds this evening is the fear such incidents have given rise to. Rural Ireland is afraid. A real and tangible fear has gripped rural Irish society and whole communities across every county in Ireland, North and South. Robberies, coupled with blatant thuggery, have been taking place with limited detection and prosecution of those involved. Although senior gardaí claim there has been a reduction in home burglaries across rural Ireland, it is clear that isolated homes and farm machinery remain on the target lists of reprehensible individuals.

During the Christmas recess, I called on and spoke to many people I know in my constituency who are fearful for their safety. They are living alone and are no longer as agile as they once were. They are maintaining a stressful lifestyle because they are on constant alert as they listen, watch and, worst of all, expect the worst. This is no way to live. It is harmful for everyone who is affected by it. Further charges and consecutive sentences should be applied to those who are apprehended for burglaries and farmyard thefts. Engendering fear should attract a further penalty for those involved.

The motion we are debating calls on the Government to "establish a rural crime taskforce", to "conduct an immediate review of the operation" of relevant legislation, to "conduct a review of the trespass laws", to increase "the funding available for ... local Text Alert and Business Watch schemes", to further "initiatives like Operation Thor" and to reopen some strategically located rural Garda stations. The motion also calls for more funding for Garda overtime. In tandem with that, I suggest that more funding for more gardaí might be a better answer.

Citizens and communities deserve peace of mind. People in rural Ireland need to feel safe again. The steps commended in the motion before the House merit the serious address of the Minister, his Cabinet colleagues and the Garda Commissioner. Trust and security must be restored to everyone who lives in rural Ireland and indeed in every community in the land. I urge the Minister to consider withdrawing the Government amendment so that we can demonstrate a united front on the floor of the Dáil Chamber this evening in our determination to confront the scourge of rural crime.

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