Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I too join the Tánaiste and Deputy Kenny in extending sympathy to the Murray and O'Shaughnessy families on their tragic loss yesterday. When the period of grieving is over, the House might usefully return to the Farrell Grant Sparks report on the organisation of the fire service which was published in 2002. Among its recommendations was the establishment of a national fire authority which might address the possibility of setting up a full-time fire service, as distinct from a part-time service, in larger urban areas.

I have one issue to raise on the Order of Business. I have been reading the schedule of business for next week. It appears that many of the legislative proposals relate to matters which have, happily, waited over the summer period. Would the Tánaiste consider making some time available next week to allow the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come into the House and discuss the deteriorating crime situation? A man was shot in Finglas on Sunday. A garda was shot in the course of his duty during the week. There was another shooting last night. We have a serious problem of gun crime and gangland shootings. The House should have an opportunity of addressing it. Given the relative lightness of business next week, will the Tánaiste arrange for a debate on crime with the Minister?

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