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

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I accept that Operation Thor has certainly led to a decrease. My question relates to other preventative aspects of the problem. I and many others believe that one of the key deficits is the lack of community policing. That has been raised in the Chamber on several occasions. The Minister of State referred to extra recruits but is community policing in particular being considered? Are there plans to increase the number of community gardaí? For example, community policing levels in Laois-Offaly have dropped dramatically in recent years. Data that I obtained from the Department in response to a parliamentary question show that the number of such gardaí in the Laois-Offaly division in 2009 was 44, whereas the current figure is just seven. That represents a 500% drop in little more than a decade. It is very concerning for communities that feel isolated, particularly rural communities.

I have continually called on the Government to conduct an immediate review of the trespass laws, with the aim of strengthening the rights of farmers and landowners to protect their property and person. That is another issue of concern.

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