Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to show my appreciation to An Garda Síochána in Blanchardstown village on Christmas Eve, which is supposed to be the most special and magical night of the year. What became a double murder unfolded like a horror film on our main street in a very popular family restaurant. This morning, a seventh person was arrested by gardaí. Four people have been charged over the past few weeks, and I want to thank the Garda for the way it is managing this case.

I know full well the fears that have been in communities about retaliations and reprisals. I know the work that went into the policing plan around the funerals. I am incredibly proud of our gardaí in the K district. They are acting decisively and swiftly. Some 45 people came in on Christmas morning to assist after what happened. During the Dublin riots, 65 police volunteered to support their colleagues, and by extension us, going in to help on that evening. That does not say to me that morale is where it is reported to be.

The K district has one of the highest workloads in the country, covering Finglas, Cabra and the wider and growing area of Blanchardstown, gangland crime, antisocial behaviour and issues like everywhere else. It also manages Áras an Uachtarán. It managed the visit of the Chinese Premier last week effortlessly, as it seems to us. I am delighted that five community gardaí are starting this week, two in Blanchardstown, two in Finglas and one in Cabra. It is hoped there will be another two in February - one in Blanchardstown and one in Cabra. They are among the recruits who came through Templemore in December. It is hoped there will be more in March. Resources to support our gardaí and communities are our top priority, and safer streets. Let us remember to appreciate the people who put themselves on the line for us every day.