Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

Does the Minister accept that most people are horrified by the increased use of guns by thugs and gangsters? Does he agree that the most shocking aspect relating to the use of guns, particularly as it relates to the commission of murder, is the falling rates of detection and prosecution? Does he accept that 109 murders involving the use of firearms were committed between 1998 and June of this year, that the Garda detected the perpetrators in 54 of these cases, or 49% of the total, that court proceedings arose in 35 of these cases, or 32% of the total, and that court convictions were obtained in 18 cases, or 17% of the total?

Is the Minister concerned that people in this jurisdiction use weapons and are of the opinion that they can do so with impunity? Is he of the view that a conviction rate of 17% over eight years is lamentable? Does he believe that there is a need to take other measures to ensure that the use of firearms will be brought to an end? On the Criminal Justice Act 2006, will he confirm that mandatory prison sentences for firearms offences be commenced? Has the commencement order in this regard been signed?

See this speech in context