Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to speak. There are many challenges in the Department of Justice. I am really looking forward to seeing the positive changes the Minister can make. My area is Meath West, which includes great towns like Navan, Trim, Enfield and Oldcastle and villages like Kilmessan, Ballivor, Longwood and Rathmolyon. Speaking to the constituents at the doors - believe me, I knocked on a lot of doors over the past year, as I have run in three elections – they are extremely worried about safety within their community. They are worried about walking down their streets, not only at night-time, but during the day too. One man I spoke to was coming out of a bank in Navan where he was jumped on at 3 p.m. in the day and attacked. On a daily basis we see issues of antisocial behaviour on our streets, and it is of massive concern, especially to the people of Meath.

I will move on to businesses and what they face. According to a survey by Retail Excellence Ireland, 20% of retailers experience crime on a daily basis and 41% on a weekly basis. Approximately 82% of this crime is shoplifting. However, what scares me even more is that 60% of these outlets reported abuse of their staff. In fact, one store told me of how one of their staff members was spat at in the face.

Another industry representative body, RGDATA, reported that 90% of its retailers were victims of crime in the previous 12 months. The major issues that I am being informed of are as follows: significant increase in shoplifting and retail crime, particularly high value items; growing aggression and violence towards staff with little fear of consequences with the gardaí, which is very concerning; and notable increases in youth involvement in theft, often in groups influenced by social media trends.Security measures are proving less effective as criminals act openly and without fear. Repeat offenders are a real problem. Many come back on the same day to rob again. I spoke to one small shop in Navan. It must be open around 40 years. It is a fabulous family business. They have always run the shop with one member of staff but now require two. Unfortunately, it is not because they are extra busy selling lots of clothes but to keep each other safe. Another shop owner said that they live in constant fear of their staff being injured. That is a very sad reality.

I hear repeatedly that the issue is not Garda support but the lack of gardaí to deal with these issues and the lack of punishment of offenders. Shops feel they report an issue and the following day they see the person on the street again, practically laughing at them. Seven days ago, the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan said "I don't want to see our prisons clogged up with people who are in there for ... crimes of shoplifting". If that is the case, what is he going to do about it? Would it help if ASBOs were administered at sergeant level rather than superintendent level? Should there be stiffer fines for people who steal? What about barring orders preventing someone from being able to re-enter a store? Why not make them pay for what they have stolen? Should people who regularly offend only be allowed free legal aid on, say, three court appearances and not the sky is the limit?

My daughter was eight when she was pushed to the ground when out shopping for her first little handbag. These were teenage boys who thought it was hilarious to push one person against the other. Excuse me-----