Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Paul Brady, who happens to be my first cousin and is a brother of Councillor Philip Brady, on winning his sixth world handball singles championship in Croke Park last weekend. It is a remarkable achievement because this world championship happens only every three years and he has been unbeatable for that length of time. It is remarkable also because he is 45 years of age. He is probably one of Ireland's greatest athletes and sportspeople and we should acknowledge his achievements.

I raise also the alarming rise in crime and the distressingly low morale among Garda members, which should be central for the public as we head into the election this month.I call on the Minister to address the long-term plans for the future of An Garda Síochána.

The recent surge in violent incidents, particularly in towns like Ballaghaderreen, has left our communities in fear and law enforcement stretched thin. We have seen an increase in violent crimes in Ballaghaderreen that has shaken the foundation of that community. Families and elderly residents are afraid to walk the streets of their home town. This is not a unique story in Ireland. It is sadly a legacy of this Government and particularly the Department of Justice in the last five years. Ireland is measurably less safe. Working conditions and recruitment strategies for An Garda Síochána are failing. Over recent years there has been a worrying decline in the strength of the gardaí. There were 14,750 gardaí in the first half of 2020. The Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, has said that numbers need to reach 15,000 in the short term with a view to having a force of 18,000 to meet the modern policing demands caused by Ireland’s population growth. Despite recent recruitment drives, Ireland is nowhere near meeting this target. The brave men and women of An Garda Síochána put their lives on the line every day to protect us yet are unsupported and undervalued by this Government. It is our duty to ensure they have the resources, training and support they need to perform their duties effectively and safely. I call on the electorate to highlight this concern on the doorsteps in coming weeks. Our future Government needs to address the safety of our communities and citizens.