Frances Fitzgerald was at the Garda College in Templemore today to attend the passing out of 94 new Gardaí.
A number of communities in Tipperary, including Littleton and Athnid have come together to try to battle back against repeated break-ins by gangs of thieves.
The Garda Commissioner says she is determined to boost the number of Gardaí on the streets, as well as adding to the Garda fleet and improving victim support services.
Frances Fitzgerald also confirmed that 500 new gardai will be recruited next year – as part of efforts to top up the force.
Speaking at Templemore Garda College today, the Minister Fitzgerald pledged continued support for rural communities who are being targetted.
As the latest batch of recruits pass out from the training college in Templemore today, middle ranking Gardaí want the Justice Minister to increase the number of officers in a bid to combat a rise in rural crime.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors is asking for funding to be ring-fenced for the force in next month's budget.
In particular, the AGSI wants additional resources for crime prevention, garda patrols and investigations.
Deputy General Secretary of the AGSI John Jacob says the current rate of recruitment is not enough.
