Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Crime is a constant worry in all communities and we need a general debate on the issue in the Seanad. Obviously, we must seek more resources for the Garda and look at how the force carries out its business. In my county of Meath, at the start of the Government's term, the Garda Commissioner, for their own reasons, decided to merge two Garda districts. The Garda district of east Meath which covered the stations at Laytown and Duleek was merged with the district that included Ashbourne, Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin. That merger has had an extremely negative effect on policing in the area. I know that it is a question of resources and prioritisation. However, there seems to be a crime wave in the eastern part of Meath, including burglaries, arson and many other crimes. I have full respect for An Garda Síochána and recognise that it carries out seriously important work, but there are not enough gardaí to do the job following a huge cut in Garda numbers in County Meath in the past four years. There is also a problem with the structure of the force. Garda districts need to be updated to reflect the change in population patterns. Gardaí located at one end of the county should not have to deal with crimes that take place at the other end. We need to look at county boundaries correlating with Garda divisions because there are anomalies. Gardaí in big towns are unable to cross county boundaries to deal with crimes. Therefore, gardaí must come from another town much further way. This is very common in east, south and north Meath. I seek a full debate to allow Senators to make their input as national legislators and members of local joint policing committees. What is happening cannot continue. People are living in fear of criminals and, in many cases, gardaí must work in fear, especially following what happened recently. We pay tribute to all members of the force, particularly its fallen members who gave up their lives to protect their communities. Unfortunately, there have been too many garda deaths during the years. The issue of crime must be examined again because the public simply cannot tolerate what is happening. I do not think the Garda can continue to work in these conditions. We need massive investment in manpower. We must also re-examine the structures of An Garda Síochána to make sure they reflect the reality of life in Ireland, including the motorway network and urban and rural settlement patterns.