Peter Kelly (Longford-Roscommon, Fianna Fail)

Today there are more gardaí. All crimes will have to be tackled and all criminal activity will have to cease. The Deputy asked me what types of crime we are talking about. I remind the Opposition that it cancelled the prison building programme and failed to put even one extra garda on the street. It failed to properly resource the Garda and to provide even one extra prison place. It supported a policy that led to 16% of sentenced prisoners being on the streets, and opposed legislation to deal with the problem of serious offences committed by offenders while on bail. It voted against legislation that would allow persons convicted of serious offences to be subject to curfew as well as against ten-year minimum sentences for substantial drug dealers.

Everybody must realise the seriousness of the situation. Members of the Opposition will have to co-operate and work together and not lecture Government Deputies on crime. They must work with the Government to ensure that when sensible serious legislation is brought forward, it is supported. Matters have gone too far. Will the Opposition start from now?

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