'Making a joke of the law' - over 1,000 local crimes by people on bail

Almost 1,100 crimes were committed in the Shannonside region by people who were on bail last year.

There were 628 in Roscommon, Longford and Mayo - along with 457 in Leitrim and Sligo.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan says it's totally unacceptable that offences are committed by people while on bail.

He says it's a direct breach of their undertaking when granted bail by the court.

Longford councillor Seamus Butler is also hitting out: