Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been 16 murders with firearms from the beginning of the year to 6 November. I am also informed that detections have been made in seven of these cases, with proceedings commenced in four.

All killings regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of rigorous investigations by the Garda authorities. The identification of the motive and the evidence available in its support are key elements of the investigation and prosecution process. Operation Anvil has been extended nationwide and the level of resources provided to An Garda Síochána to counter the threat of the use of firearms has been massively increased.

Following the completion of the weapons amnesty, mandatory minimum sentences in respect of possession of firearms came into effect on 1 November. The penalties available to the courts have now been greatly strengthened. Stringent penalties now apply and, as Members are familiar with them, I will not read them into the record.

The new law specifies that the courts may exercise discretion to impose less than the minimum sentence only where it is satisfied that there are exceptional and specific circumstances for so doing. In addition, they may exercise their discretion only in the case of a first offence. There is no discretion whatsoever in respect of a second offence.

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