Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. From the first time I heard him speak in the Dáil, I recognised him as a capable and competent individual.

I compliment and congratulate Deputy Charles Flanagan on his appointment as Fine Gael spokesperson on justice. He continues a long and strong tradition in the party. Having listened to the debate, I acknowledge Deputy Flanagan's generosity in stating he would co-operate with the Minister and support any positive policies he is prepared to bring forward. This is a new departure, especially given the type of approach taken by my Kerry colleague, the Ceann Comhairle, Deputy John O'Donoghue, when Mrs. Nora Owen was Minister. Deputy O'Donoghue's approach was not as generous as that offered by Deputy Flanagan and accepted by the current Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan.

The Minister and Deputy Flanagan can together do something about what is happening. Having spent 20 years of my career in the House, I am convinced there is a major disconnection between this House and what is happening in communities. Unless the Minister is prepared to go into housing estates and meet people affected by crime or those on the fringes of society, he will not have an understanding of what is really happening out there. More Members of the House should venture out, particularly those making decisions and making the law.

The policing committees are very important. It is an issue Fine Gael and I promoted ten years ago. I welcome the Minister's appointment of more committees throughout the country, which is a good idea. I am a member of a committee in Tralee and I have seen how well it works. We have already reduced pub opening hours, which has had an effect on the streets at night. The policing committees are a mechanism through which the Minister can make improvements.

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