Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I would like to get an indication from the Minister of State on the engagement the Department has had with the National Rural Safety Forum and the work that stems from it. Have there been any initiatives or progress following the meeting of the forum? The last time we raised the issue of rural crime in the House, Tom Niland from County Sligo was in a coma. I am glad to report that he has regained consciousness and is making progress. He is an example of many people living in rural areas who feel very vulnerable. It is important to state that the vast majority of people are safe in our communities but, in many cases, there is an element of vulnerability because they are so isolated. The general public want to see more being done to protect people in our communities.

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