Garda numbers and compensation bill
Tony McLoughlin asks about crime prevention and Bernard Durkan seeks a date for the Garda Síochána compensation bill. The Taoiseach points to rising Garda numbers and says the Bill will come before the House next session.
It is stated on page 96 of A Programme for a Partnership Government that the priority for the Government is the protection of all of our citizens by preventing and reducing crime. Will the Taoiseach outline what the Government intends to do to ensure this commitment is fulfilled?
Comment on this
As Deputy McLoughlin will know, there has been an increase in Garda numbers in recent years.
An additional 199 new members have joined An Garda Síochána in recent weeks, bringing the number in 2018 to 800. This means that the Garda force now stands at a figure above 14,000 for the first time since 2012.
Comment on this
The Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill for malicious injuries has been listed for some considerable time. Given that it will affect 5,000 gardaí, when is it likely to be brought before the House?