Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Martin Kenny TD has that the Gardaí must do more to build trust between them and the community, following the Cherry Orchard intimidation scandal.

Deputy Kenny said:

“It struck me that a Fine Gael Government that prides itself on being tough on crime did nothing when it was told about the Cherry Orchard criminal activity.

“I am sure the Minister of State knows that very many people who are victims of crime do not go to the Garda because they do not trust them to solve those problems. 

“Why did the contractor in this case not go to the Gardaí? Why did senior officials in Dublin City Council consider it appropriate to advise the contractor to co-operate with the criminal, rather than going to the Gardaí? 

“People clearly believe the An Garda Síochána is not up to the job. This is the reality for many people the length and breadth of the state, including in my constituency.

“I spoke to a woman the other day who told me she got off a bus in the North Inner City one evening last week at approximately 7.30 p.m. and a car was doing doughnuts. 

“This was near Ballybough, where around the corner Fitzgibbon Street Garda station has been closed for the past four years. 

“Leinster House is 300 years old and there was a commitment to have it renovated; it was done in less time than was originally envisaged because of that commitment. 

“However, the former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, went to the north inner city and promised to do something, but what happened? 

“Fitzgibbon Street Garda station is still closed because there was no commitment to refurbish it. 

“This is just one case of many from around the country.”