The programme for Government contains a commitment to building stronger and safer communities and specifically priorities visible policing in rural areas. Given the savage attack on Tom Niland in west County Sligo in recent weeks, and given a 27% reduction in resources in the Sligo-Leitrim Garda division, how does the Government proposes to increase visible rural policing? Furthermore, given such a savage attack and others that have taken place in recent weeks and months, will the Government commit to the introduction of more severe and mandatory sentencing in respect of such attacks?

I regret that the Minister for Justice had to leave only a few minutes ago. She would not have-----

It is a matter of collective responsibility. I am sure the Minister will be able to respond.

That is true. I absolutely agree that the savage attack on Mr. Niland that the Deputy mentioned requires us all to see what we can do. If constitutional rights are to mean anything, people have to be protected in their homes. I do not believe mandatory sentencing is the best response to that. The independence of our judicial system I mentioned earlier requires giving judges and our judicial system the powers to assess each case and impose the appropriate penal sanctions. We do need policing, however, and the Government is increasing investment in our policing system. I absolutely agree with the Deputy that if people are feeling vulnerable in a rural or isolated area, where they might not have neighbours close at hand, we need to focus on those areas.