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

Fine Gael supports this resolution to extend the provisions of the 1998 Act. This is not an academic exercise. A total of 247 persons were arrested under these provisions during the period under review. Alarmingly, we see more and more clear evidence of links between dissident republicans and gangland crime and of dissident republicans co-operating with crime lords. Today, a newspaper headline reads, "Man taken North and shot was probably victim of extortion bid". Reference was made to the fact that the Garda "believes the kidnappers have links to the Real IRA in Derry" so we are not talking about academic matters here but real threats to people and considerable criminal activity of a most heinous nature. Unfortunately the legacy of paramilitarism is alive and well, and it must be countered.

As part of this effort we must ensure the availability to An Garda Síochána of the necessary powers to deal with those involved. It is not that we just have isolated incidents here. I quoted figures of 247 people having been arrested last year. Today new crime figures have been released by the Central Statistics Office, with one figure being really alarming. The number of offences for the discharge of firearms has increased by 41% compared to the first quarter of last year, an indication of the development in this country of people resorting to firearms. It is also a clear indication to me of proof that former paramilitaries are now making available their expertise and peddling their wares to gang overlords in our society.

We must confront this issue with every possible legitimate means. After Omagh it was considered that certain measures were necessary to confront that threat and that is the reason the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 was brought into force by this House. Fine Gael supported the enactment of that measure and supports its continuation.

In some ways the threat facing the people of this State is now even greater. There is clear evidence that the country is awash with firearms, and we have had a failed amnesty. There is now evidence of increasing use of firearms in an increasing number of crimes occurring in this country. We also have clear evidence that those who have acquired experience and expertise in this area in the past are now either directly involved in gangland criminal activity or are making the knowledge available to those so involved. This evidence can be seen from the pipe bomb incidents mentioned by the Minister of State or elsewhere. We must confront these people and one way of so doing is to continue the operation of this Act.

I make these comments in the context that I would wish to see the day where the concept of emergency legislation can be a thing of the past. I would aim to see two progressions. The first is an ability to confront the rising crime figures and the resourcing of An Garda Síochána to enable it to do so. Once those measures are successful, there will then be a case for putting in place the second, legislation which can stand the test of time and will not involve annual renewal of what was introduced as emergency measures.

I do not see that happening while we have a continuing increase in crime, particularly serious crime. I do not see it coming about while we have a continuing use of weapons in committing crimes. It will not happen while we have the continual denial to An Garda Síochána of resources in manpower and equipment needs, and it will not happen in the context of promises being made in that regard which are not being kept.

I have been accused, from time to time, of speaking politically in this matter. That is what I am here for. I have listened to the promises to provide to An Garda Síochána the numbers which were required, an extra 2,000 gardaí. They have not been provided and the Government will have this on its conscience. Instead of an extra 2,000 gardaí, 1,178 extra gardaí are all we have after five years of this Government in power.

There is also a problem with equipment, on which promises were made and not kept. Gardaí are still operating with 20-year-old walkie-talkies and confronting armed criminals. It is unconscionable that a Government could face the electorate at this stage having that appalling record.

Partly as a result of the neglect of the Government in not providing An Garda Síochána with the resources it urgently needs, I find myself supporting the Government in extending the provisions of the 1998 Act to ensure that at least the statutory provisions are there to enable them as best they can, with their limited resources, to confront this threat. Until such time as there is a real and determined effort to resource An Garda Síochána to enable it to confront these criminals, be they former paramilitaries, associated with paramilitaries or otherwise, we will then have to speak of continuation of legislation of this kind.

I hope to see, in the coming months and years, a new approach in this regard that will involve making those resources available, ensuring An Garda Síochána is fully equipped and aiming for what I have always wanted to see — this country having the best police force in the world. At that stage we would have some hope in making progress against these criminals. In the meantime we have no option but to continue these provisions as just one part of the legal armoury available to An Garda Síochána and enabling it to arrest people involved in these heinous crimes.

See this speech in context