James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree that it is not just about people being safe. People need to feel safe. In a number of the high-profile cases in rural Ireland, the Garda has had a number of real successes. However, we need to get to a point where such incidents are not happening and where people feel protected and safe in their communities. That means targeting those organised groups, many of which rob a number of houses and, unfortunately, carry out heinous acts against very vulnerable people.

The law already treats burglary very seriously. The maximum penalty for burglary is 14 years in prison, and a sentence of up to life imprisonment can be imposed for aggravated burglary. In 2015, the law in this area was further strengthened by the introduction of legislation targeting repeat offenders, including the provision of allowing bail to be denied in appropriate cases. The Act also provides for consecutive sentences for the prolific burglars. The Criminal Justice Act 2007 provides for presumptive minimum sentences for certain repeat offences. The law is very strong in this area. More gardaí were attested last week and, going forward, there will be further attestations in the coming year. An additional 800 gardaí were provided for in last year's budget. The civilianisation of An Garda Síochána continues at pace, which will free up gardaí for other activities.

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