We move on to questions on promised legislation. I call Deputy Micheál Martin. I have 15 speakers offering in addition to the leaders. I will try to accommodate everyone. I hope for the co-operation of Members.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of homes in rural areas being attacked and burgled. We all listened in horror to the story of the farmer who lived on his own in Offaly being burgled, attacked and consequently hospitalised. The four-man gang made their quick escape in a powerful high-speed car. In the past six weeks there were 35 aggravated burglaries undertaken by gangs in County Cork. The gangs are well known to the Garda. They have become quite sophisticated in how they organise themselves. Apparently they no longer use the motorways but use the older primary routes. Senior security sources are quoted in the media as saying these gangs are winning the war and are taunting An Garda Síochána.

Rural communities do not feel secure. They do not believe enough is being done. CCTV is very limited on motorways. The Garda presence is historically down. Many rural Garda stations are closed. They have not had the same fortune as Stepaside. The programme for Government is very clear that there would be increased support in investment in CCTV at key locations along the national road network and in urban centres to deal specifically with these issues. Will the Taoiseach or the Minister outline how much extra has been invested in CCTV and the Garda fleet to prevent rural crime? Is the Government considering a fresh crackdown to follow on from Operation Thor to address this latest phase of very violent attacks?

I call the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan.

I assure the Deputy that Operation Thor is continuing unabated. I advise the Deputy that the sum of €3 million is available over a period of three years, €1 million per annum, to increase CCTV presence across the country. Applications are open. I advise communities that they should consider making appropriate applications to my Department. I am anxious to ensure that this money is expended, particularly across rural areas.

I remind the Deputy that the Garda Training College in Templemore has reopened, having been closed for many years under the previous regime. I recently attended an attestation ceremony of 188 new gardaí-----

I advise the Deputy and the Minister that I am trying to accommodate 15 other speakers.

-----all of whom have been allocated to stations around the country.

The next attestation of 200 new gardaí will take place on 8 December. Full and detailed consideration is being given by An Garda Síochána to dealing with the issues, as mentioned by the Deputy.