Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to refer to the reports relating to the commission of burglaries in the Knocknacarra area of Galway by drug-fuelled individuals, a matter which has received attention in the press today. It has been alleged that the perpetrators of the many burglaries being committed in the area to which I refer are out on bail. While I stress that these are only allegations, I wish to highlight the fact that this morning the Garda seized €250,000 worth of drugs in Galway. This shows that the force is constantly monitoring the situation relating to drugs in the region. I remind Senators that the Minister for Justice and Equality has commenced the passage of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015. The Bill is targeted at those repeat offenders who have previous convictions and who are charged with multiple offences relating to residential burglaries. It strengthens the provisions for the refusal of bail and provides for tougher sentencing for repeat home burglaries. It was also announced this morning that the Garda will receive a large fleet of high-powered vehicles that will allow officers to conduct high-speed pursuits, particularly on major roads.

In the light of the allegations relating to the commission of burglaries in the Galway area and elsewhere, I have asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to meet me to discuss the matter. I ask the Leader to invite her to come before the House to debate the issue of crime. If resources are needed to tackle this issue, then they must be provided. We cannot have a situation where people do not feel safe in their homes.