Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

We read in the newspapers today of the success of the Garda in targeting criminals in parts of Dublin, for example, in flashpoints like Finglas and Blanchardstown. The Garda success can be attributed to the additional manpower put in place. Some 300 suspects have been arrested and gangs that were operating against ATMs in Dublin and throughout the country and that were importing mock arms from the US have been broken up. That news is very welcome.

The downside, however, is that this report is a clear indication to the Government of the inadequacy of Garda numbers. Where extra gardaí are provided, they can achieve tremendous success. Another downside is, as has happened in the past, that when criminals are marginalised in Dublin, they decide to go to the country because they are well aware of the inadequacy of Garda numbers in certain urban and rural areas. I fear that Garda numbers are inadequate to combat the hordes of criminals that will drift to the country to continue their crime cycle. Operation Crossover Two, as it is known, is targeting criminals in those areas in Dublin. It has been a tremendous success and the gardaí involved are to be commended on their success.

Will the Leader request the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to immediately put in place adequate Garda numbers to tackle the increase in headline crime, especially in the counties surrounding Dublin? Headline crime in Meath has increased by 21%. There has been a corresponding increase in crime as the population in counties Meath and Kildare has increased. Will the Leader ask the Minister to increase in a focused way the number of gardaí on the beat in those areas?

In recent months many Senators have called for a debate on the BMW region. There is a clear deficit in Government policy in this area. A total of €640 million was unspent in this region in the past year. This clearly shows a lack of Government effort and concentration on the development of a proper regional policy.

When the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, was in the Department of Transport he indicated that €300 million would be made available for the provision of a rail link between Sligo and Limerick. At the same time, €3 billion was allocated for the provision of rail and infrastructure in the eastern part of the country. There is inadequate provision for roads, water and sewerage schemes in the west of Ireland. Given the infrastructural deficit in the BMW region, it is galling that the Government would leave €640 million unspent. Will the Leader ensure the Minister with responsibility for this area comes to the House to debate the reasons behind this apparent lack of policy in order that we can bring about an improvement in infrastructure in the western region?