Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Tánaiste is aware of the vicious and shocking attack on Tom Niland in Skreen, County Sligo, when his home was burgled last month. We all send our very best wishes to Tom, who remains critically ill in hospital. Many other burglaries and aggravated assaults never make the news. Many people have contacted me on this issue. For example, a man from Swinford alerted me to the fact that 200 homes were burgled and trashed in two months last year between Donegal and north Galway. As he said, there are a lot of devastated people. When one is a victim, a certain innocence is lost forever. I want the Tánaiste to act on two issues. First, will he look at revising the sentencing and bail guidelines, especially for repeat offenders? The second ask is in regard to an issue I have raised previously. Sligo-Leitrim is the only division in the north west and west without an armed support unit. We urgently need such a unit.

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