Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the report and congratulate the justice committee on its work. The issue of community policing and rural crime affects most constituencies and counties. In the rural constituency of Sligo-Leitrim, we are all conscious of the fear that often exists in isolated rural communities, not least in respect of crime against older people, farm theft and so on. Sometimes, we can quote statistics and say crime is at a low level, which it may well be, but that does not remove the sense of fear and trepidation, particularly in the case of older people who feel isolated in the knowledge that the Garda station in their local town is no longer open. They do not see gardaí as often as they once did. People have told me that 20 or 30 years ago, when they drove through rural Ireland, they would often be stopped at a checkpoint if they had a bald tyre, for example, but they seldom see that happen now. While it may have been a problem then, they wish they met checkpoints more often now. They wish more gardaí were seen doing that sort of work and that they were a greater part of the community.

Unfortunately, in many rural towns, including in my area, crime is caused by small groups of individuals, some of whom are from outside the area. Mohill, a small town in County Leitrim, has been an example in recent weeks, when there has been much intimidation. Shots have been fired and petrol bombs have been thrown at houses. It is being carried out by a small number of people who, we understand, are involved in the drugs trade. The victims, on the other hand, are innocent people in the community who have nothing to do with any of it. It creates a great sense of anger and resentment among people in many rural towns when they see people threatening and intimidating others. They may have a long list of convictions behind them, yet they seem to be able to carry on in this manner, with little or no impact from An Garda Síochána, which I know and understand is doing its best in the circumstances. Mohill is just one example but similar behaviour happens in many other towns throughout the country. It was mentioned earlier that the emergency response unit is currently deployed in County Longford. It is part of a trend. Crime that, unfortunately, was mainly visited on the capital city has become more common in many rural towns throughout the country. We need resources to ensure that it is brought to an end, and a renewed focus on the source of such crime. Often, they are the same criminals and groups of people engaged in rural crime and exploiting older people and so on.

I welcome the part of the report that mentions restorative justice measures and, in particular, the youth diversion programme. The latter, where intervention is made early if children, for whatever reason, get into bad company and so on, needs to be given greater focus. I have come across cases, however, where the programme has been inappropriately used, particularly where sexual crime is involved. It is not appropriate in such situations and its use needs to be revised. In some cases, it is not the correct route to go down.

Mental health issues were also mentioned. Social and mental health issues in many rural communities are often part of a problem with poverty, or due to a sense of hopelessness or of not being given the opportunities that may exist in other places. Wider social issues have an impact and drugs crime is one typical example. In general, it happens mainly in more deprived communities. We must build a greater social network to ensure that people will not fall into that trap or way of life, through providing better resources and capacity in rural communities and small rural towns to defend against it.

The issue of Garda numbers will always be raised but we understand it. I have some sympathy for the Minister, given that there cannot always be the number of gardaí who are needed on the day they are needed, where they are needed. That is understandable. Deputy Adams referred to issues in County Louth. We all understand that gardaí cannot be everywhere all the time. The great difficulty, however, is that in many cases, people cannot find a garda when they seek one. From experience, they believe that there is a lack of resources. Greater efforts must be made, not least in areas where we know there is an element of dangerous crime, and a renewed focus is needed.

Another area where a renewed focus is needed in many rural towns is crimes of exploitation. I refer particularly to sexual exploitation and brothels, which are jumping up all over the place in many rural towns. It needs to be dealt with but is not being dealt with. Young women, many of whom have been trafficked, are being exploited. It needs to be addressed urgently because it has a knock-on effect. While it may be a part of the culture of some parts of Europe, we do not need it in this country. Although it is an illegal activity, the experience to date is that does not seem to receive the kind of attention it deserves. It needs attention, however, because it has a knock-on effect leading to further crime and dangerous activity. In particular, for the young women being abused and exploited, it is utterly wrong and deplorable that it continues to happen. The Garda needs to be given whatever resources are required to stamp it out wherever it happens.

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