Sinn Féin’s newly-appointed Justice, Home Affairs and Migration spokesperson, Matt Carthy, TD has said that his priority in the new portfolio will be to ensure proper policing is delivered to towns, cities and rural communities across Ireland.

Teachta Carthy said:

“I am very pleased to have been appointed as Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice and Home Affairs. Proper policing, garda visibility and community safety are issues which need to be prioritised. These are issues which I have long been vocal on in my own constituency.

“Over recent years under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael we have seen a marked drop in garda visibility leaving many communities feeling abandoned and unsafe. Many streets including those in our capital city are no longer as safe as they should be. Ensuring that this situation is addressed will be my top priorities.

“In terms of migration it is long past time that we have a fair system that works properly. There can be no repeat of the litany of failures and chaos of the last government in terms of the migration and asylum process.

“As I leave the position of Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, I want to wish my successor Donnchadh Ó Laoighaire TD the very best in this portfolio. I know that he will do an excellent job. I want to thank all those who worked with me in the brief including those in the diplomatic corps and representatives of our Defence Forces.

“During my time in Foreign Affairs and Defence I worked to defend Irish neutrality, to support our Defence Forces which have been left under-resourced by successive governments and to ensure Ireland played a positive role in the wider world in terms of peace building and conflict resolution.

“My time as Foreign Affairs Spokesperson coincided with the latest Israeli onslaught on Gaza. While the recent ceasefire is welcome the promise of peace and statehood for the Palestinian people must be delivered. The Dáil must pass the Occupied Territories Bill without further delay.”