Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and of course accept it would be a huge cost on the Exchequer. I also acknowledge the Garda crime prevention officers and the support of the community alert and neighbourhood watch groups. Moreover, I agree they are fantastic and are doing great work. It is just that people still live in fear. One can almost taste the fear in people as they speak and this fear is being whipped up a lot because the minute people hear there has been a burglary down the road or whatever, they think they will be next and it will happen to them. I am disappointed this proposal has not been perceived to be an option.I also accept that in economic terms we are in the early stages of recovery and as such funding may not be readily available. However, I hope this proposal would not be ruled out completely and that it might be an option at some stage. While I am aware that relief on the expense can be claimed under the refurbishment plan this option is only available to people paying tax, such that people who do not pay tax are unable to obtain any relief. I had hoped that the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, was going respond to the effect that the proposal would be examined and, perhaps, discussed with the Minister for Finance. However, I accept his response.