Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It does not really matter where a child or anybody else is injured — we all condemn that kind of action. We have seen a complete disregard for human life by a small minority of people in our cities and we should not try to make anything out of that. I remember well when Veronica Guerin was shot and, thankfully, this party had at that time drafted legislation that was able to be implemented quickly.

We are continually increasing the number of gardaí, with more gardaí and resources for the special units, reducing crime — the figures stand for themselves — and toughening the laws.

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