Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Only 92 new members of the force started in Templemore this week. The Minister mentioned a figure of 200. Gardaí are not happy with their pay conditions, pensions, paperwork or rosters. Nearly everybody in this Chamber and outside it has, at some stage, relied on the assistance of the Garda. We in Dundalk have probably relied on their assistance more than most because, in recent years, we had the murders of Adrian Donohoe, Tony Golden and others. However, our gardaí want to know that the Government is behind them. Of all the Ministers I speak to, I really trust the Minster for Finance because he is a man of his word.

I will go back to Dundalk at the weekend and talk to these gardaí. I want the Minister to say that the Government is going to look after them. A number of gardaí were assaulted recently. In that context, body cameras are very important. The Garda wants resources. The cost-of-living crisis is also affecting gardaí. They work unsocial hours and, as far as I can see, they are not being looked after. I ask the Minister to give them the resources and training. If we did not have the gardaí in our area, we would be in a very serious position. I would be in a more serious position than most.

I come from a Border town and, with everything else at the moment, it is good to know that gardaí are there and have reinforcements. To reiterate, I ask the Minister to give confidence to the Garda that he, as Minister for Finance, will look after resources and training for these gardaí.

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