asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of reports that crime, including vandalism, is getting out of hand, he will utilise as much money as possible in order to ensure that everyday policing will be increased.

Although the provisional crime figures for 1975 show an increase on the 1974 figures and the level now obtaining is certainly a cause of concern, I think it is seriously overstating it to say that crime is getting out of hand. The fact is that the position here is considerably better than that in very many other countries. I say that to put the matter in perspective, not to minimise the problem.

The financial allocation for police services amounts to £57.8 million this year and the Garda authorities are always conscious of the need to make the best possible use of the available resources. To assist them further in this, management consultants have been engaged to carry out an examination of the systems of review and control of Garda strength with a view to ensuring the most efficient deployment of the force.

The security situation continues to make heavy demands on Garda resources and, accordingly, it is becoming more and more important that the people should do everything possible to help the gardaí in the prevention of crime.

Is the Minister aware that there is a widely held view that there is a large increase in crime and vandalism in both urban and rural areas? Is he satisfied that present policing is sufficient to meet that increase?

I have already answered that there are ways in which the community can help the Garda who, as the Deputy will appreciate, are heavily stretched by the demands of the security situation. While we admit that there is an increase in this problem we have tried to put it in perspective.

Does the Minister honestly expect that assistance from the community is sufficient to help the Garda in their present policing efforts? Is he not aware that the Government and the Minister for Justice have cut back on overtime for ordinary police work and that this is a major contributory factor to the increase in crime and vandalism today?

The Deputy is raising another matter.

Beat personnel and mobile patrols are being deployed to give the best possible coverage having regard to available resources.

Would the Minister agree that if there was more money available for overtime we would have far better policing to deal with crime and vandalism in rural and urban Ireland?

The costs of security have increased substantially over the last few years.

Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that the incidence of crime was not a cause for concern because it was worse elsewhere? Did he make that statement?

I did not say that.

He said that in comparison with other places we were not too badly off.

I said no such thing.