Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)

I call for a debate in this House on Garda numbers nationwide. Last week, 194 probationary gardaí were distributed across 19 divisions throughout the country. One of the divisions, which happens to be my home division of Roscommon, Longford and Mayo, received no allocation. I have spoken to a number of locals and people who have previously been on the community policing forum. There is a lack of uniformed gardaí for which there is a real demand in our area. Recent surveys, including one by PhoneWatch on Central Statistics Office figures, indicates that burglaries in that district of Roscommon, Longford and Mayo are down 45% in the last ten years. In the last two or three weeks, another report stated Roscommon is the safest place in the country to raise a family. At the time, I said I hoped that would not inhibit our allocation of Garda numbers, which is something we desperately need.

I tried to raise the lack of an allocation as a Commencement matter, but the Department of justice stated it was not allowed to discuss it and it was the Commissioner's role. I tried to reword it in a few different ways to see if I could get it through but, unfortunately, I was kicked back each time. I call for that debate in this House. What other way have we of influencing that and supporting the people in our home constituencies who desperately need to see numbers of uniformed gardaí on the street?

I also commend Senator Fitzpatrick on the uplifting way she opened today's proceedings by complimenting and acknowledging everybody. The one name she left off the list was the Lord Mayor, Ray McAdam. He could possibly get a letter of acknowledgement as well. I compliment her on that.