Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator MacSharry called for a debate on Northern Ireland in the aftermath of yesterday's reports. As has been stated we had a debate on Northern Ireland only a few weeks ago, but I will try to facilitate a further debate given that so many Members have requested it in the aftermath of these reports.

The Senator also spoke about rural crime, which is a major issue. That is why the Government decided that the Garda training college in Templemore would be reopened after it was closed by the previous Fianna Fáil-led Government. We have 500 extra gardaí on the streets and 600 more provided for in the budget. Yesterday we had the announcement of 260 new high-speed vehicles to be purchased and in action by the end of the year in addition to the 370 already in place this year. The Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill, the bail Bill and the victims of crime Bill will all come to the House before Christmas.