Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I agree that there is a new and growing phenomenon of criminal gangs committing murder for a variety of purposes. There is no complacency on my part. I have been in regular contact with the Commissioner, assuring him all resources possible. I have strengthened the law and made available vast sums for overtime for surveillance operations, etc. I will carry out any action I am asked to carry out. There is no lack of commitment on my part in tackling this issue.

Sometimes we have short memories. Last year and this year have been bad but there has been no dramatic difference between the two.

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