Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

Like Deputy Bacik, I was very concerned when I heard about the stabbing of the two individuals over the weekend but it has to be put in context as well. I received a report from An Garda Síochána at the end of August this year in respect of knife crime. It showed that knife-crime seizures where up and knife-crime injuries were down. In general, knife crime as a criminal offence is down. That has to be taken into account. Also, regarding Garda visibility, the Deputy will be aware herself from being around the city that we have an increased Garda presence in Dublin city centre. I want to see that rolled out through the country in all the villages and towns as well. In order to do that we need to get the recruitment of gardaí up. I am pleased to say that the numbers are going in the right direction. Some 200 hundred new recruits entered into Templemore in August of this year and in November, at the next passing out, 200 will be coming out. The numbers are looking good but the secret to Garda visibility is increased Garda recruitment.

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