Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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399. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures his Department is taking in response to the reported 13 percent increase in overall crime in Cork city in the past year, with particular reference to the 23 percent rise in thefts and shoplifting. [53126/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána and this Government are fully committed to tackling all forms of crime and anti-social behaviour and building stronger, safer communities.

While the Garda Commissioner is responsible for all operational policing matters, I am committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources they need to Keep People Safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.59 billion in Budget 2026 which is providing for sustained investment in recruitment, equipment and technology.

As the Deputy will be aware, 154 new Gardaí attested from the Garda College on 22 August 2025 and have been assigned to stations across the country. This cohort was the largest allocation of probationer Gardaí to areas outside of Dublin in the past year, including 25 Probationer who were assigned to Garda Divisions Cork City and County.

With regard to theft, this Government takes this issue extremely seriously. While almost all property crime types have seen decreases at a nationwide level, I am conscious of recent increases in thefts from shops.

Garda Operation Táirge was introduced in December 2023 to target Organised Retail Crime. I am assured that An Garda Síochána continues to investigate and detect retail theft and are supporting retailers to increase the first instance prevention of retail theft.

We can see that An Garda Síochána are having a significant impact on those who engage in retail crime. Under Operation Táirge, in the 12 month period from April 2024 to April 2025 the number of arrests associated with the offence of 'Thefts from Shop' increased by 8% (over 8,300 arrests) compared to the 12 month period to end of April 2023.

Also during this period, the number of court proceedings (charges/ summonses) associated with 'Thefts from Shop' has increased by over 30% (over 20,200 charges/ summonses) compared to the 12 month period to end of April 2023.

My Department is currently progressing work to develop a Retail Crime Strategy. An evidence-based framework to tackling the complex and evolving nature of retail crime will be considered, including enforcement operations, preventative measures and supports for retail workers.

I am also conscious that this is not just about organised retail crime and that there is a large amount of lower level, everyday shoplifting which has just as serious an impact on smaller retailers and their staff. The Government recognises the significant economic damage this crime causes and by developing the Retail Crime Strategy will build on existing initiatives to tackle this criminality.

We are also beginning to see the rollout of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) nationwide. A total of 36 Safety Partnerships will be established, each with up to 30 members. Every LCSP will be required to develop its own tailored Community Safety Plan, with specific projects and actions to improve community safety in their area. These LCSPs will play a major role in enhancing community safety nationwide and are a collaboration between state agencies, elected members, local residents, businesses and An Garda Síochána.

Members have been appointed to a number of Safety Partnerships and further appointments will be made in the coming weeks.