Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak briefly on the Bill. I very much welcome some parts of what is in the Bill. Any measures that are introduced to strengthen co-operation between the Garda and general law enforcement should be welcome at all costs. The need for good relations between An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland is as necessary as ever given the uncertainty that surrounds Brexit and the possibility of a border, hard or soft, being placed around the Six Counties once again.

We all remember the struggles and hardships faced during that time and co-operation between both law enforcement bodies is crucial. Strengthening these ties in the Bill is most welcome. Under the Bill the testimony of gardaí can be made available to the Northern Ireland coroner dealing with inquests into events during the Troubles or as evidence in the UK or wherever else is necessary. As we strengthen our relationships in the European Union, the Bill offers a greater sense of partnership with all of the law enforcement bodies and can go a long way when it comes to combating international crime gangs.

The increasing power afforded to the Garda under the Bill is most welcome but I want to raise a few related points. It is necessary that gardaí are paid accordingly. We came very close to an all-out Garda strike some time ago over pay and conditions. It is urgent that the Government continues to look into such issues. Today, on Leaders' Questions, my colleague, Deputy Mattie McGrath, spoke about the high levels of crime in rural Ireland. Coming from the constituency of Cork South-West, I share these views. This increase in crime rates comes particularly as a result of closed Garda stations.

The closure of Garda stations, many of which are in west Cork, has had a devastating effect on many rural communities, with many criminals taking advantage of it and terrorising elderly and vulnerable people in their own homes. The Minister promised to reopen Ballinspittle Garda station in west Cork. He was in west Cork only a few months ago. I did not have an opportunity to meet him because nobody informed me he was coming. I apologise. Had I been there I would have pushed for an exact date for the reopening of Ballinspittle Garda station, which he promised, but the doors remain locked to the local community despite the promises made.

We have to tackle crime equally throughout the country, but how is this possible? I have to ask this of the Minister. Of the several hundred recently appointed gardaí, not one was appointed in Cork and, from what I hear, few or none were appointed in Munster. What is going on? Why were no new gardaí appointed to west Cork, Cork or Munster? Does the whole world revolves around Dublin?

To tackle rural crime more resources must be allocated to groups such as Muintir na Tíre so they can further allocate funding to community alert groups throughout the country. A scheme needs to be put in place whereby the elderly can apply for a grant for sensor lights and CCTV to protect their properties. This scheme could be similar to the successful personal alarms scheme that many elderly people wear around their necks and wrists and the successful text alert systems that alert communities to crime or suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods. These schemes are run by Muintir na Tíre.

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