The Minister of State, Deputy Fitzgerald, and I have been holding an ongoing dialogue in the House over the last few weeks. I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to discuss this matter and I thank the Minister for coming here to listen and, I hope, respond positively to my points.
I want to know the Minister for Justice's proposals to reassure residents in the Rathfarnham-Knocklyon area that appropriate policing resources, especially foot patrols, will be deployed to stamp out the current wave of robberies and burglaries. I also want her to direct the Commissioner to ensure sufficient manpower is assigned to Rathfarnham Garda station and that its immediate hinterland is given an appropriate level of priority.
I have put down this motion because the perception of people living in those areas is that crime levels are at an all-time high. Robberies and burglaries are occurring day and night and there has been a huge increase in house break-ins over the last few months. However, the Garda response is totally inadequate. Many people have been burgled not once but several times. The perpetrators of crime are so cheeky that they have worked out which houses it is possible and worthwhile to rob. Householders, retired people and senior citizens are all under threat. Even young people are apprehensive when they go out at night about how and where they can meet their friends.
Since the beginning of the year people in my area have raised with me no issue more frequently than crime and policing. A patrol car passing through occasionally does not give a sense of security and is not a deterrent to the perpetrators of crime. There is not enough manpower to patrol the area. Foot patrols are a far greater deterrent and are much more reassuring for the residents. They give the police a high visibility in the area, allow them to get to know and to gain the confidence of those living there and help them identify the individuals who are most vulnerable and at risk. The perpetrators of these crimes feel they have a free hand but the introduction of foot patrols would change that.
Rathfarnham Garda station is understaffed. The perception is that all resources are directed towards Tallaght to the detriment of the Rathfarnham area. I ask the Minister to assess the position at Rathfarnham and ensure sufficient manpower is assigned to it to challenge the new spate of crime. The people of Rathfarnham and Knocklyon work hard, pay their taxes and contribute to the State in every way. They feel the State has let them down and should now take responsibility.
The problem is serious, as the Minister knows — she represents the same area and can agree with everything I have said. If the reply is not what I am looking for, I ask her to make representations to the Minister for Justice, because the people of these areas are crying out for help. I hope the reply will be positive.
