Rural crime and Central Bank Bill
Deputy Carol Nolan again raises rural crime and policing, and Deputy Bernard Durkan asks urgently for the Central Bank Consolidation Bill to address debt collection and repossessions. The Minister points to increased Garda resources, while the Taoiseach says the Bill is being drafted but has no publication date.
The next three contributors are Deputies Carol Nolan, Bernard Durkan and Frank O'Rourke.
Comment on this
The programme for Government, as the Taoiseach is aware, commits on page 98 to ensuring that there is "visible, effective and responsive policing" in all of our communities. We are all very aware of the incident that occurred in Offaly, where a farmer was viciously assaulted following a break-in. Prior to that incident, however, this issue was being raised constantly because rural crime, whether we like it or not, is increasing. The figures might not show that but it is increasing. What actions are being taken? How do rural communities know that they are being taken seriously and are being listened to? I have had it brought to my attention that there are Garda cars parked outside Garda stations in Offaly because there are not enough gardaí to drive those cars and to patrol areas. That is unacceptable.
Comment on this
A question on promised legislation for the Minister for Justice and Equality. I ask the Minister to focus on legislation.
Comment on this
I am not aware of Garda cars being parked in County Offaly-----
Comment on this
-----but I am very much aware of an increase in the Garda fleet not only in County Offaly, but nationally. That will continue, along with an increase in Garda numbers. We are firmly on target to have a Garda service with 21,000 members by 2021. I mentioned earlier that the Garda College in Templemore is open. We expect to have 800 new recruits next year, along with 200 new gardaí before the end of this year, added to the 188 who have recently been attested. This will ensure that the statistics continue to show a decrease in crime. That said, I do not wish in any way to take from the very serious and unacceptable incident that took place in County Offaly last week. There is a determination on the part of local gardaí, with whom I have spoken, to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Comment on this
The Central Bank Consolidation Bill is promised legislation. Given the attitude of unregulated third parties now in the market in enforcing debt collection and repossessions, will the aforementioned legislation be brought before the House with some urgency in order to deal with this situation?
