Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government contains a commitment to building stronger and safer communities and specifically priorities visible policing in rural areas. Given the savage attack on Tom Niland in west County Sligo in recent weeks, and given a 27% reduction in resources in the Sligo-Leitrim Garda division, how does the Government proposes to increase visible rural policing? Furthermore, given such a savage attack and others that have taken place in recent weeks and months, will the Government commit to the introduction of more severe and mandatory sentencing in respect of such attacks?

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