The ongoing feud between drug gangs in Drogheda resulted in the recent shooting of a man in broad daylight in a public car park at a retail park. It was the second shooting in recent months. There have also been physical attacks, intimidation, kidnappings, threats and attacks on homes. Of the 18 additional gardaí allocated in December, 15 were removed in January, leaving us with just three additional gardaí, which is in no way sufficient to tackle this issue. At last night's meeting of the joint policing committee, elected representatives were told that none of the commitments and promises made by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, regarding the Louth Garda division had materialised and that the division's budget had not seen a cent of an increase.

I thank the Deputy, but can we hear from the Minister, please?

When will the Drogheda Garda division-----

Can we let the Minister answer?

-----receive the necessary resources to tackle this ongoing feud, or is it the case that-----

Please, Deputy. You have gone way over time.

-----the Government is waiting for some innocent passer-by-----

Can we hear the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, please?

-----to be caught up in one of these shootings? The people of Drogheda are living in fear. It looks like the Minister-----

The Deputy is way over time.

-----could not care less about it.

Deputy, please.

I was pleased to visit Drogheda recently in the company of my colleague, Deputy O'Dowd, where we had a number of important meetings. I understand that the Garda Commissioner was also in Drogheda recently. The House will be aware that the operational issues for and on behalf of the An Garda Síochána are under the leadership of the Garda Commissioner. I keep in close contact with the Garda management team, but the issue of resources is one for the Garda Commissioner himself. I am aware of the seriousness of the situation in Drogheda and am keen to ensure that every effort is made to mitigate the issues raised.