Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also support calls for a debate on the reform of local government. I am afraid my colleagues opposite are still out of touch as they are not listening to the voice of the people. Members of the public want reform of the political structure, greater value for money and cost savings. I will not dwell on the issue as the House will have a spirited debate on the matter at the appropriate time.

I welcome the announcement made yesterday by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, of the allocation of an additional ¤3 million to purchase 170 new vehicles for the Garda fleet. I had intended to call for moneys to be spent following a series of incidents in my part of the world over the weekend when violent criminals from the Kildare region and other parts of Leinster carried out a spate of robberies in County Offaly but also in the east Galway village of Eyrecourt and my home town of Ballinasloe. They caused significant damage to property in the theft of goods. Apparently, the suspects are well known to the Garda. They are using high speed vehicles and very difficult to apprehend because of our new road structure; therefore, Garda transport must be of a particularly high standard to ensure gardaí are capable of pursuing these criminals. I am aware that in the incident which occurred in east Galway a Garda vehicle packed it in during the course of the gardaí's work. It is welcome that 170 new vehicles will be made available. The number of Garda stations is not as important as ensuring the Garda has the technology and transport required to pursue dangerous criminals who are causing devastation and instilling great fear in business people and ordinary people living in their homes. I very much welcome the investment of ¤3 million and hope that following the budget there will be further investment to ensure the Garda is properly resourced to do the job expected of it by the people.