Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too support the calls for the occupied territories Bill to be passed. If necessary, we can sit on Friday, if the Government does not otherwise have the time. When to call the election is in the Taoiseach's hands. He has dithered about it for long enough.

I also call for a debate on the scandalous situation throughout Tipperary regarding the lack of Garda numbers. It was never worse. The gardaí we have are suffering from burnout. They do their very best. The numbers are just frightening. The issues that arise are being compounded daily. The exodus from the Garda is alarming, as is the lack of recruitment. We do not have Garda members on the ground to react to people when they need them. Members of the public always support the Garda but they need the Garda to support them also. The numbers do not allow Garda members to give the support to the people that they want to give. All the officers want to do their job and serve the people. Members of the Garda are often brought up to Dublin when there are demonstrations here and the country is left without them. It was never as bad in south Tipperary, in Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel, Tipperary town and the outlying areas. It is just not fair to people. They expect a service from the Garda, which gardaí want to give, but they cannot, as they do not have the numbers.

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