I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for the opportunity of raising this issue. It speaks volumes that at least three of the four items on the Adjournment are about crime. I deal with it in the context of the ludicrous suggestions over the last few days that the availability of more spaces in our prisons as a result of the peace process justifies the decision not to build a women's prison in Mountjoy or to go ahead with the building of the Castlerea prison.
My concern is about the reduction of Garda strength along the Border. Because of the troubles in the North, there has been a larger than usual presence of gardaí in Dromad. Hackballscross and Omeath, which are literally on the Border. However, whenever there was a major security operation, which was every week for the last 25 years, all the gardaí were drained away from other areas not so close to the Border, for example, Dundalk, my own village of Blackrock just outside Dundalk, Castlebellingham and other places around the county, to supplement the gardaí who were already on the Border in large numbers. There were times when roads were closed because of incidents on the far side of the Border and all these gardaí were literally sucked up to the Border area because of what was happening on the other side. I accept that because of the peace process there is a changed atmosphere. However, on the other side of the Border there has been no reduction in the British security forces. They may have been returned to barracks but a withdrawal of security forces from the area has not been announced.
Unfortunately, the Minister for Justice is not present despite three of the four questions being addressed to her. The withdrawal of gardaí from Border areas should not lead to a reduction in Garda strength in the stations. When I was an infant there were 300 people in my village, now the population is in excess of 4,000. The Garda strength comprises a sergeant and two gardaí. When the population was 300 there were four gardaí.
There is a serious crime level in my county, much of it drug related. The area has suffered — more than any other county — from the 25 years of violence in the North and deserves proper protection. It must not be left without sufficient Garda strength. Although peace has reigned for nine months violence could again erupt. The British Government has not reduced the strength of its security force along the Border even though it has been reduced in Belfast.
Severe problems have been experienced in Louth and Castlebellingham. Within 100 yards of my home cars were tampered with a few nights ago. There are only three gardaí for a population of 6,000. From canvassing in Wicklow I know that the population of Arklow and Wicklow is almost the same as that in my area and I have no doubt that Garda strength there is greater than in my village.
I implore the Minister to think carefully about this and ensure that the Garda strength in the larger urban areas of Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee is not reduced. Cognisance must be taken of the fact that the difficulties we experienced over the last 25 years are far in excess of anything experienced elsewhere.
