Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Why has it taken nine years to begin to realise that the bail laws need to be reviewed, given that serious crimes, including murders, have been committed by persons out on bail? Does the Taoiseach realise the social impact of 100,000 headline crimes committed every year during the tenure of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform? If the Government lasts its full term, it will have presided over almost half a million headline crimes. The Taoiseach stated that there are more gardaí on the streets and that resources are being provided, but in reply to parliamentary questions a couple of weeks ago, the Minister admitted that the green man system is obsolete and that it will not be replaced for several years, according to priority established by him. Gardaí with inferior communications are up against vicious, criminal organisations in a number of locations. Gardaí in this and other cities have told me that they are calling their stations on their own mobile phones. In some places, gardaí have to travel to the scene of crimes and accidents in hired taxis while others are driving around in vehicles that have been involved in several crashes and are not roadworthy, as was shown in a tragic case where one of these vehicles crashed.

Former Deputy Charlie Flanagan — soon to be a Deputy again — pointed out that in Portlaoise Garda station, which houses 120——

See this speech in context