I wish to raise the issue of adopting policies which will increase Garda visibility. I do so with reference to my region but it is a national issue. I do not do so with the intention of criticising the Garda but of supporting the work its members do.
I received information recently which underlines the difficulties faced by people. If a school had a change of principal every year or more often, it would have difficulties. I live in the Garda district of Buncrana where six superintendents have served since 16 October 1997. I do not know if this is healthy. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has not taken this matter but that is not to underestimate the role of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan. Nonetheless, I hope the message is relayed strongly to him that the optimum service cannot be given if there are six superintendents in five years. I appeal for that to be addressed. I wish the new superintendent well and hope that I am still talking about him in glowing terms in five years time and not about the sixth person to have replaced him.
I have been informed that the current strength in the Buncrana district is 78, which includes all ranks. I do not know if they are all on active service or if some of them are on leave. Everyone wants Garda visibility on the streets to prevent petty crime and improve public order and in built-up areas to prevent speeding. When I asked if a greater number of public order and ordinary offences occurred from Monday to Thursday or from Thursday to Monday, I was surprised and astonished at the response that the Minister was informed by the Garda authorities that the information sought by me was not readily available and could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources. If people do not know whether Thursday to Monday is worse than Monday to Thursday in terms of the number of crimes committed, petty or otherwise, I do not know where we will begin to deal with this issue. Surely such basic data should be readily available.
I am concerned that, in my area, 11 gardaí are on duty on a Saturday. On Sunday, eight are on duty and I assume that includes Saturday night and Sunday morning. I am also concerned that on occasion only one vehicle is available for patrol. Does anyone in Garda headquarters know the size of Inishowen? Do they know its Border location, that we are adjacent to Derry city and that we are the centre for social interaction in the north west?
I did not come here to undermine the chief superintendent or anybody at local level because they are doing what they can with the available resources. As a Border location, we suffer break-ins at houses and premises. Last night there was yet another serious break-in. We know this will get worse as Christmas approaches. We want Garda visibility and personnel. Eight gardaí on the entire peninsula of 30,000 people cannot deal with the problems. This would not be acceptable in Dublin. It is not acceptable in Inishowen either.
There is much work going on behind the scenes. Gardaí are often occupied with paperwork. In the interests of visibility on the ground it is time others were brought in, especially to deal with paperwork. I ask, too, that people report crime. They may be afraid to do this or think it would be a waste of time. However, I can get no information to questions I ask in the House if people do not report in the first place.
My time is extremely limited and I await the Minister of State's response. I reiterate the points I have already made vis-à-vis the tiny number of personnel deployed. Let us consider whether the period from Thursday to Monday is more dangerous or busy than from Monday to Thursday. If so, why are there fewer gardaí on duty during that time? It is time for a massive revamp and to focus on what is really needed and adopt a targeted approach in order that there is Garda visibility on our streets when we need it.
