Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Seanadóir Bradley. Is lá an-speisialta é di agus dá clann. The Taoiseach has made a very positive statement in appointing the Senator to Seanad Éireann. I came in as she was coming to the conclusion of her address. Rather than offering her any advice, I am likely to be seeking advice from her because she is very grounded and is focusing on the very important things in life. I welcome that.

I return to the issue of crime not only in our urban areas, but in our rural areas. It is not only the Minister for Justice who has responsibility in this area. All legislators do. As the Deputy Leader will know, the number of robberies in parts of counties Galway and Roscommon is quite concerning. It is also happening in other rural areas. The Garda is doing its best in trying to deal with this but it is stretched at times. There are a lot of questions that must be asked. I have been trying to get an answer to a question I am being asked by the public. Are drones being used to help with these robberies? It is a very serious issue that we will have to face. Is there information coming from local sources? I have heard that before. I cannot prove it; I do not know. It is really frightening for people to see two or three people coming to their house to carry out a robbery. In most cases, when they see an individual, they move away but nobody should take any chances. People should not leave their door or windows open. Another really terrible thing is that, when people are out at a restaurant or are out for the day, they put it up on social media, telling the whole world that the house is vacant. I would like a debate with the Minister, although not to have a go at her. As I have said, as Oireachtas Members, we all have a responsibility here. I would like to see a debate, perhaps when we come back in September.