Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Gough, Ms Quigley, Mr. McNally and Ms Flynn for their contributions. I also thank them for their written submissions to the committee. The background to these hearings is that we are trying to deal with the effects of gangland crime on communities. In recent years I, along with other Members of the Oireachtas, have privately met in our clinics families who have been devastated by drugs-related issues and have also been intimidated. They are so fearful that they will not go to the Garda and instead come to our clinics or other private meetings. It is essential that the witnesses know that is the background to these hearings. We are listening to their advice in order to try to come up with solutions on how to help those families.

The oral submissions seem to focus on three issues required to deal effectively with gangland crime in communities. They are seeking a social and educational response and a response dealing with poverty and disadvantage. They also want support for and investment in communities. The third point was the need for a high-quality policing service that is in tune with local communities in order to have their trust and support. We know there is an addiction problem and some sort of disadvantage problem. Does the solution go down to those three things of dealing with educational and socioeconomic disadvantage, support for communities, as Ms Quigley mentioned, and good solid local policing. The people from the community are telling me that third item is not evident on the ground.