Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

I did not know that but I am glad to hear it. That gives us two more years to knock on constituents' doors.

The Minister described this Bill as a courageous response to the difficulties we face and argues that we must provide leadership on this issue. It is no big deal and we do not deserve a medal; it is something we must do. There were comments during yesterday's debate suggesting that this legislation is wonderful. That is not so — it is basic common sense. It will allow us to take control from gangland criminals and to make life more difficult for them. There is no need for us to pat ourselves on the back.

The Minister mentioned that he introduced a new crime package in the latter half of last year, including an increase in the number of gardaí from 14,000 to 15,000. This is welcome but I hope the additional recruits will be full-time gardaí. The Minister should consider measures to reform the rosters to ensure gardaí are on duty at the right times and in the right places. As an additional crime prevention measure, the Minister spoke about sanctioning 300 additional civil administration support posts for the Garda Síochána. The programme for Government promised that all the 500 to 600 gardaí engaged in civilian duties would be relieved of those duties. Five years later, however, most of them remain in those roles.

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