Garda numbers in Limerick
Deputy Sheehan seeks more Gardaí for Limerick after shootings and a serious assault; the Justice Minister will convey the request but says allocations remain the Commissioner's responsibility.
I thank the Ceann Comhairle for her latitude. I want to raise again - this is about the fourth time - the issue of policing in Limerick city. In the last pass-out from Templemore, we received one extra Garda and lost one Garda to retirement. We have had 17 shootings so far this year. This week, we had the terrible situation where a retail worker was assaulted and bitten by somebody who claimed when she attacked this person that she had HIV. This retail worker is now out of work. I am pleading for an increased allocation from the next pass-out from Templemore. At the moment, our city is like a tinderbox. We are also still waiting for the Garda Commissioner to approve a CCTV scheme in Garryowen. The joint An Garda Síochána and Limerick City and County Council business case for CCTV funding is with the Commissioner at the moment. Will the Taoiseach please talk to the Garda? We really need to see more gardaí on the street in Limerick.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy. Two months ago, I was down in Limerick and I had the opportunity to meet An Garda Síochána there and, indeed, representatives of Limerick Chamber of Commerce. I am aware of the issue in terms of the desire to get more gardaí on the streets in Limerick. I hear the same thing throughout the country. When it comes to the allocation of resources, however, I do not direct the Commissioner as to where he should send new recruits.
Comment on this
But can the Minister take this back to him?
Comment on this
There will be an attestation on 22 August. I will certainly communicate what the Deputy has said to me here but I cannot guarantee him. I am not going to be a Minister for justice who directs the Commissioner to send gardaí to certain areas.