Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

That is the law of the land. It cannot be the case, if 80% of people charged under section 15A receive sentences of less than the minimum mandatory sentence, that deviations are being considered on the basis of wholly exceptional circumstances. I am giving further consideration to the matter but this Legislature has passed strong legislation — indeed, I have been criticised for over-legislating in some areas. The Executive had provided extensive resources to the force in terms of cash and additional gardaí. The judicial arm of the State must also play its part in the suppression of gangland violence.

See this speech in context