Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Obviously the Garda deploys a range of different strategies in targeting organised crime, those engaged in drug crime and those who use firearms, and the Deputy would not expect me to reveal those strategies in the House. However, I share the concern of every Member about the extent to which those engaged in organised crime are using firearms, their lack of respect for human life and their capacity to cause serious injury not only to those engaged in competitive crime gangs but also to the general community.

The Garda has been very successful in bringing prosecutions against many of those who have been involved in violence. Our legislation prescribes a variety of sentences for conviction of a broad range of offences. It is not for me to comment on sentences passed by our courts because they are independent. However, it is very important that the sentence passed fits the crime that has been committed and for which an individual has been found guilty.

See this speech in context