Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I support the comments made by Senators Finucane and Ulick Burke on the alarming rise in crime in the past weeks, particularly the rise in serious crimes on our streets and the lack of respect shown to the Garda. If society loses respect for the Garda Síochána, we are in serious trouble. It is up to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to ensure that the Garda is given the resources necessary to carry out its job and to ensure it holds the respect of the community.

I also want to raise the issue of the rise in crimes committed against women, which is extremely worrying. What is more worrying for those women who have had these crimes perpetrated against them is when they see persons found guilty of such crimes, but not given custodial sentences. This does not encourage women to bring their cases to the courts. It is an issue that needs to be debated in the House and one the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform needs to address.