Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

Does the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform accept that while there is unwavering support for the efforts of the Garda Síochána, the same support does not extend to the Minister himself? Does he not accept that his policies on gangland crime have failed? Does he not accept that he has not provided the necessary resources to the Garda Síochána, whatever statistical gymnastics he might engage in?

He said, taking retirements into account, the total number of serving gardaí on 31 December 2006 will be 12,948. He has gone less than half way to the promised target of 2,000 extra gardaí promised by his party and his Fianna Fáil colleagues before the previous general election. Does he not accept that the information technology and communications equipment promised the Garda before the last election has not been provided? Does he not accept that problems have arisen from a lack of dedicated firearms training facilities for the Garda Síochána?

Regarding the legal framework, does the Minister not accept that the issues I highlighted, along with my party leader and the Fine Gael Party, over the years regarding problems relating to bail and sentencing should have been addressed? Does he not accept the case made for electronic tagging? He has neglected all these issues, including the witness protection programme I mentioned in the House last week. Will the Minister accept the responsibility that falls on his desk for enormous increases in violent crime since his first year in office, especially murder and firearms offences?

Yesterday the Taoiseach mentioned Mr. Martin Hyland in the Dáil.

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