Mr. Eddie Downey:

The idea that people use firearms because they are living in fear is extremely worrying, but if we do not address these issues, we will see a situation we do not want to see developing where things will go in the wrong direction. That is the reason we are trying to get into this space as quickly as we can. We have not come before the committee because of a reaction to recent media reports; we have been working on this issue for a long time and will continue to work on it as we normally do. We would be very worried if people were to take the wrong action at particular times. What is really frustrating for us is that repeat offenders out on bail are committing crimes. When they are convicted, they receive the same treatment on their 100th crime as on their first. That is where the problem lies. There has to be a ratcheting up in order that repeat offenders are dealt with more severely. Everybody on the ground and the Garda have to make that call.