Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

Question 49: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded to date in 2005 in which firearms were used; the number of these which are believed by the Garda Síochána to be related to the operation of criminal gangs; if he shares the views of the public regarding the huge increase in such killings; his views on whether the operation of these gangs exposes law abiding citizens to unnecessary danger to life and limb; his further views on whether his remarks in October 2004 regarding the last sting of the dying wasp were ill-advised; if the new special unit set up by the Commissioner is properly resourced; the steps he intends to take to deal with the operation of criminal gangs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35949/05]

See this speech in context