Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We need to see Government support for the stakeholder forum proposed by that report, which would deal with and look at all these issues and make sure they are aired properly, so that we can put in place a system that is fit for purpose. We all want to see the film industry blossom but we want to make sure that people are treated as they should be.

The programme for Government speaks about building stronger and safer communities. There are two things that will not serve that aim. Much has been said about the rosters. It is to be hoped the ongoing negotiations will deal with that. In my own home town, it would mean losing people from community policing and the drugs squad. There was some suggestion that this would not happen to specialist units but I think there is an element of people playing with words in that regard. The issue we have in Louth, along with Cavan and Monaghan, is that we are going to be served by one of the few three-county models to be put in place. Louth will also take in some of east Meath. The Taoiseach knows of the particular issues that have occurred across Louth, particularly in Drogheda with the feud. Dundalk is another very large urban area with particular issues. Whatever about streamlining, it does not make sense to have a single superintendent responsible for serious crime across that entire area.

There needs to be Government engagement with the Garda Commissioner and whoever else to get this rectified.

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