Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In a recent leaflet the Taoiseach distributed in Dublin West crime statistics for the Blanchardstown area were outlined. It appears from that leaflet that crime rates are up in his constituency of Dublin West. It might be surprising for victims of crime and communities that under Fine Gael, the supposed party of law and order, more people are offending and fewer perpetrators are being detected. Clearly a key issue to be addressed is confidence in policing and in An Garda Síochána. We are hearing from members of An Garda Síochána about serious issues around recruitment and retention in the force.

The Government needs to take effective action to address this crisis in policing and to address the socioeconomic context within which so many crimes take place. Will the Taoiseach commit to addressing recruitment and retention issues in An Garda Síochána? Will he also commit to addressing the systemic issues which can contribute to an increase in crime in order to ensure we do not see rising crime statistics and to ensure we see effective action for victims and communities?

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