George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The latest CSO figures on crime make for sombre reading. Burglaries increased by 10% last year, while thefts and assaults were at their highest level in five years. The illegal importation of drugs, destined to cripple communities and individuals throughout this country, increased by a remarkable 83% in the past 12 months, just short of double the previous year. In 2024, we saw 27 burglaries every single day, a 10% increase on 2023. Weapons and explosive offences went up by 11% and shootings increased by 40%.

We are beginning to see a downturn in many things in this country but one thing that is thriving is crime and criminality. Why? It is simply because of a lack of gardaí in our towns, villages and communities. Criminals are swanning around, safe in the knowledge they are unlikely to be stopped or apprehended and, when or if they are, the punishments for their crimes make their efforts worthwhile. I listened incredulously yesterday to a Limerick supermarket owner recount how, on a Friday, a persistent and consistent thief in his shop was given a six-week sentence for assaulting a member of his staff but was back stealing in that same shop three days later on the Monday. Stories like this one can be replicated in every town and village.

In my hometown of Wexford, local retailers consistently contact me with stories of antisocial behaviour, theft or attempted theft from shops. Antisocial behaviour seems to be a badge of honour among some who, despite a myriad of CCTV cameras around the town linked directly to the Garda station, carry on their insidious behaviour in broad daylight, safe in the knowledge that the lack of a Garda presence will see their carry-on go largely unchecked.

Last August, however, Wexford town played host to one of the most successful and well-attended events ever, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Some 650,000 people descended on the town for a wonderful carnival atmosphere, with hardly a single serious incident. How was that achieved? It was because of resources. That is the long and the short of it. The local superintendent, Jarlath Duffy, was given the required resources to ensure that he and his members could keep people safe, and keep them secure in the knowledge they were safe because of a visible garda presence. Resources are the key. What was also clearly apparent was the good morale of the gardaí at this event. They knew people had their back and were supporting them.

Community policing plays a major role in combating crime. This is particularly so for youngsters, who are at a stage where they can be steered away from criminality. I have seen at first hand the positive impact community gardaí can make by interacting with communities and gaining people's trust. Garda Kevin Burke in New Ross and Garda Anne Quirke and Sergeant David Ferriter in Wexford are just some of the gardaí who are making a real difference to their communities through their positive interactions with people and getting stuck into the issues. The Minister must give the Garda the necessary resources to make our towns and villages safe again.

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