Dáil hears of farm equipment 'stolen' to pay drug debts

A Mayo TD has told the Dáil that he knows of "some cases where farm equipment was stolen to pay" for drug debts.

Aontú TD, Paul Lawless, told TDs that drugs is a " major problem right across this country" including in his constituency of Mayo "in relation to the drug dealers harassing young people for drug debts".

"We need to get to grips with this issue.

"We need tougher sentencing for drug dealers who seek to recoup debts from the families of the children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews involved.

"It is shocking that many families are living in fear. I know of some cases where farm equipment was stolen to pay for such debt," Deputy Lawless said during the Dáil debate on 'Diverting Young People from Criminal Activity'.

During the Dáil debate, the Independent Ireland TD for Cork South-West, Michael Collins, also highlighted what he referred to as the "pressing issue of the lack of gardaí in rural Ireland".

"We have witnessed the closure of garda stations without replacements. This has led to a decline in the sense of safety that once prevailed in the past.

"If people had an issue, they could visit their local garda station where they would know the gardaí and they would know you and your family.

"This connectivity between the community and the garda was always invaluable and should have been continued," Deputy Collins said.

Last Tuesday (April 1), the TD had also called in the Dáil for garda stations that "are lying idle" in some communities to be "given back" and new gardaí to be appointed to communities.

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"We are told the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act was the most significant reform in two decades but, to be honest, I have seen what reform meant the last time and I am not buying the spin.

"Reform meant shutting 139 Garda stations between 2012 and 2013.

"Reform meant leaving five upgraded taxpayer-funded properties to be flogged off for peanuts. That was not reform. That was rural abandonment. That was the beginning of fear taking root in communities once proud of their safety and solidarity," Deputy Collins added.

 

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