Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but it is quite clear that the debate is ongoing. We need a debate and possibly more work could be done on Traveller ethnicity.

On Operation Thor and the Government's efforts to tackle crime, my party welcomes increased funding and resources being made available for this type of operation. I note, however, that there has been quite a lot of media speculation that when one scratches under the surface of what has been announced, it seems to be a lot of hype with quite a dearth of detail on what will happen. For example, The Irish Timeshas reported today that €5 million has been earmarked to fund the operation but no detail and timeline has been given on when the money will be spent. When the newspaper followed up on the matter it was told the funding would last for six months. It has estimated that if one divides the €5 million that will be made available between the 28 Garda divisions in the State, €27,800 will be available each month to each division. To put that figure in context, the overtime budget in the Dublin area alone can reach up to €2 million per month so an outlay of €5 million seems minuscule. It seems the Commissioner and her deputies have been used for a PR stunt to show that the Government is getting tough on crime. There is little substance to back up such rhetoric and, therefore, it is important that the Minister comes to the House to give a detailed explanation of Operation Thor and how the money will be spent. It would be an opportunity for her to refute the newspaper's contention that the allocation will be used to pay a little bit of the overtime bill and provide a few new cars to prop up the current depleted fleet of spluttering bangers. Crime prevention is a serious issue and it is one I have raised previously, particularly in the context of what has happened in many housing estates in Galway. We need to get serious about the matter and we need more detail from the Minister about Operation Thor. I call for a debate to be organised as soon as possible.