Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

Government Members have commented on Opposition complaints. If the previous Bill took so long, why should this one be shoved through the House so quickly? I hope sufficient time will be made available to debate it. This is a large Bill on paper but it should not be treated as if it will solve every problem, the impression given by recent press statements. It appears to have been introduced to save the Minister's reputation.

While the legislation contains good provisions, it will not work without money, resources and equipment to back it up, a point made by the Minister in his address. While canvassing in Kilskeer in the Kells area of County Meath earlier this week, I met a lady who had been robbed four times in the past two years. Three weeks ago, I met an 84 year old woman in Navan who had been robbed five times in the past three years. This legislation will not solve their problems.

The reason I support the Bill is that it has been introduced primarily to tackle gangland crime. We are informed it has been rushed into the House because of gangland murders left, right and centre. I am pleased the Minister circulated a copy of a speech he made in 2004. It was a good speech with many good ideas. My problem is that he needs to back up his words with action. The Minister and the Government in general have failed to do so. More than three years ago, the Minister stated: "Ireland has become a more violent place and the level of gang related killings calls for a firm response from Government". Legislation did not become urgent last October or December but before the Minister took office.

There is no quick solution to gangland crime. The Bill is another worthy attempt to tackle a problem that has been festering for a long time. We should be under no illusion that this issue arose only last winter. The Minister clearly identified it as a major issue three years ago. Last year, however, the figures for deaths by shooting were the highest in the history of the State. These provisions should have been introduced long since. We must ensure the Bill is enacted quickly but it should not be rushed through because that may result in poor legislation. We should take adequate time to discuss it, especially if the election does not take place until June. That gives us additional time for debate. Perhaps the Minister knows more about this than I do.

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