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

I welcome this initiative and the work that has been done, as well as the collaboration with so many rural organisations that represent people in rural communities. At the core of this issue, as I said as the outset, is the fear many people who live in isolated areas have. When they go to a Garda station to get a form signed, they cannot find a garda. It gives them little confidence that they will be able to get a garda when they are in real trouble. There are issues in large geographical areas where there are only one or two patrol cars trying to cover the area. Having gardaí on the ground in rural areas is the most reassuring measure for people. They should also be gardaí that people know. I recall growing up many years ago, as I am sure the Minister of State does, if you had a bald tyre or a tail light not working, you were afraid you would meet a garda on the road. There is no fear of that happening anymore. It is very seldom that you see gardaí on rural country roads. This is a problem that needs to be addressed. The way to do that is to have the gardaí knitted into and part of the community, so that they are known. People should be reassured that gardaí are there to protect them.

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