Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I begin by wishing the Minister and the Minister of State the best of luck. I look forward to engaging with the Minister constructively.

I will raise some points relating to Laois Offaly. Members of the public in the constituency complain that there is not enough Garda visibility. This is not the fault of gardaí, it is a matter of resources. The recruits are not to be seen on the ground. During the lockdown, my offices received reports of anti-social behaviour in many towns. The community policing model must be implemented. Gardaí need to be seen out and about and we must ensure that they act as roll models for young people, which is the basis of the community policing model. Older people also feel safer when they see gardaí. That was the old model which worked quite well. It would like to see it in operation.

I hope there will be increased funding allocated for domestic violence as it is a huge issue. During the pandemic, such violence escalated. The Leinster Express reported families sleeping in cars in County Laois. I appeal to the Minister to ensure that domestic violence support services in Laois-Offaly are funded and the issue dealt with in the strongest way. More must be done in the area which probably does not get the attention it deserves.

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