Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government gives a commitment to strengthening Garda numbers to tackle crime. We have a huge issue at present in the Clonmel Garda district, which includes Carrick-on-Suir. The Tánaiste is probably aware there is a huge issue with mental health issues and associated drug crime. It is an epidemic and is leading to many suicides. The community there is calling for action. Sergeant Mick Hubbard, Garda Pat Kelly and others in Carrick-on-Suir are doing their utmost but they do not have the numbers, nor does Clonmel have the numbers to help them out. We need the drugs squad in Tipperary to be beefed up. In addition, up to 1,000 gardaí are doing civilian work in the Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, has said the Garda will replace those with civilians and let trained gardaí out on the streets. We need the numbers. Deputy Calleary raised the issue of Drogheda and Longford and we will be as bad as that, if we are not as bad now. We need immediate action, not firefighting afterwards, and we need to support the gardaí who are there.

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