THE MINISTER FOR Justice has stressed that gardaí are making efforts to combat burglary across a number of fronts, as she faces calls to boost protection for rural communities.

Frances Fitzgerald was speaking earlier today as 94 new gardaí recruits graduated from training.

Almost 400 new recruits have entered the Garda College at Templemore since it was reopened last September.

The Minister stressed a continued commitment to rebuilding the strength of the force, announcing that 500 more will be taken on next year.

There are calls for these new units to be used in boost patrols and crime prevention in rural areas. The Irish Examiner this morning reported that the AGSI said the “human impact” of policing cuts is now being felt.

Speaking to the media this afternoon, Commission Nóirín O’Sullivan said the new units will be deployed across the country to help boost the force evenly.

And in Minister Fitzgerald’s speech to recruits, a commitment to making people feel safe “on our streets and in our homes” was emphasised.

“I have just published the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015, which targets repeat burglary offenders through new measures relating to bail and the imposition of consecutive sentencing for repeat offending,” Fitzgerald said.

Figures from the Garda Síochána Analysis Service indicate that 75% of burglaries are committed by 25% of burglars. Targeting this cohort of repeat offenders has the potential to significantly reduce the number of burglaries being committed.

She also noted that Operation Fiacla yielded 14,000 arrests and 8,000 charges in this area since April 2012.

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