I wish to thank the Chair for allowing me the opportunity of raising on the Adjournment the frightening growth of violent crime on the streets of Cork in recent weeks. I am sorry that it has been necessary to do this. I am also sorry that a phenomenon that has appeared to be growing on the streets of our capital city for some time seems to be spreading to the provinces. In the previous debate I spoke on the need for regional development but in this instance I do not want to see regional development taking place.
The growth of crime in Cork city and its surroundings in recent weeks is causing grave concern to people in the area. The alarming growth in the number of incidents coupled with the viciousness of the crimes, is terrifying people. I fear that, if it is not dealt with urgently, loss of life or lives can be foreseen as well as continued harassment from these criminals.
No doubt the House will be aware that in the past weekend a colleague's car was taken when he was at the Opera House at Cork on Sunday night where an over-sixties talent competition was being held. The car of Deputy Lyons was taken and it was driven to another car park. Members of the public alerted the Garda, showing the good Cork spirit that still exists. Deputy Lyons' car was taken to another car park and at one stage it was driven in the wrong direction in a one-way street, causing material damage to other vehicles. There is also the dreadful thought of what could have happened if people had been on that street at that time. It is a tribute to the Garda, that before Deputy Lyons even knew his car had been stolen when the show at the Opera House was over, the Garda recovered it. In that connection they deserve to be complimented.
A frightening aspect is that on Friday night a garda was physically injured when one of these thugs reversed a car over him. That garda now has to use crutches. Gardaí and civilians have been injured in these incidents. The Minister has an obligation to ensure that there is an adequate number of gardaí in Cork, the removal of restrictions on patrol duties and that there are no curbs on overtime that would deter the pursuit of criminals.
I know there are difficulties with regard to the bail problem and I sympathise with the Minister. However, the problem must be overcome. It is extremely urgent that it be overcome if we are to see the ordinary people of our city and county, our region, generally get the type of protection to which they are entitled. The rapid growth of crime in recent weeks is in stark contrast to the statements of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice that crime was on the decrease. In the area of justice, this Government are as much out of touch as they are in any other area under their control at present. All facilities appear to be available to Garda policing our unnatural Border at enormous cost to the taxpayer. I believe that the citizens of Cork are entitled to the very same protection and facilities.
The relationship between the Garda and the people of Cork has been excellent since the inception of the force — I should make that clear — at all levels they have become involved in the sporting, cultural and community life of the region. The kind of community spirit existing between them is positive and healthy and long may it continue.
Deputy Lyons could tell the House that some parcels from his car, obviously lost in the streets, were returned to him since the incident on Sunday night, which commends the civic spirit displayed by so many good Cork people. The Garda are entitled to be properly equipped, to be given every facility for their protection, helping them to protect the citizens as well. Urgent action is needed and one must ask the Minister to take immediate steps to curb this growth. I repeat that many people are absolutely frightened. On a rare occasion one may have seen a car careering along a one way street in the wrong direction, a genuine mistake on the part of its driver. That in itself is frightening, but, when that act is done deliberately, how much more frightening, lethal and dangerous can it be for innocent, law-abiding citizens not in any way involved.
The recent opening of a prison on Spike Island, while welcomed, caused considerable concern to many in the region. The Minister may wonder why it caused concern. It caused concern because the facilities of television and central heating received much publicity, though perhaps they were needed. Certainly it constitutes a big change from the facilities available to our naval forces during their years of long service on the island. That is why it was of some concern. Loyal people that they are, one will hear no complaints from those forces. I sympathise with them in that it would appear that the facilities extended to them over a long number of years were not good enough for the people who replace them there.
I appeal to the Minister, the Minister for Justice of the day; it is his responsibility and I want him to stamp out the violent crime and thuggery taking place in Cork city at present. If it is happening, the early closure of Garda stations must be discontinued. If there are curbs on overtime they must be lifted. Every opportunity must be given to the Garda to pursue these criminals, bring them to justice, making our streets what they always were, easy-going, happy streets in our southern capital.
