Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The barbarity of punishment beatings is well-known and this is not the first time we have talked about them. Last year, there was the Tohill case and the previous year people were shot. There have been many cases, and this has even led to suicide among young people who have been threatened. The focus on it arose before now.

That is why paragraph 13 is in the declaration. It is still the outstanding issue. Criminality and bully boy control of an area is not just about sectarianism. It is related to the proceeds of crime and other related issues. While it is not as simple as the Deputy stated, his sentiments are correct. We want an end to that.

People have been focussing on it in recent months and we have an opportunity to achieve finality. The Government will do all it can. I spoke to the Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, about that yesterday. I will probably speak to him about it on the telephone tonight or tomorrow. We will continue our efforts to make progress.

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