Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and his colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, for the positive nature of the reply. One of the areas that needs to be emphasised is the need for juvenile liaison officers. Given that we have a large population of young people who are not going anywhere and will remain young for some time, it is necessary to introduce all the aids we can to assist the Garda in interfacing and interacting with young people who may be at risk of falling into crime, even if it is petty crime.

On community policing, there have been some recent additions in this regard in north Kildare, which I welcome. However, more community policing and a community garda is needed in every town and village. Continuity is also required. Special emphasis must be placed on areas where there have been repeated reports of anti-social crime. People in certain housing estates complain to us from time to time about this type of crime which, while petty in nature is hugely worrying for the people who live in them. While the crime is not serious, it shows disrespect for other people, many of whom are elderly, and their property. We need to reassure the general public that the establishment and the Garda are on their side and are ready, willing and able, with sufficient numbers and resources to attend to their queries as they arise. I hope it will be possible to augment Garda numbers in the way I have suggested as we proceed.

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