Dáil debates

Tuesday, 23 October 2007

4:00 pm

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

First, with regard to the murders of Paul Quinn and John Daly, we send our commiserations to their families, who have to live with their grief and we all understand that, for them, this is very difficult.

On the horrendous murder of Paul Quinn, with whose family our sympathies lie at this tragic time, there is a Garda investigation under way in close co-operation with the PSNI. The priority in this case is that the Garda concentrate on this intensive investigation. We all hope those involved in this vicious killing, whatever their background, will be brought to justice. The Garda appealed for anyone with information to come forward. This appeal is supported by all parties in Northern Ireland and I strongly endorse that. The investigation is at an early stage. The Garda Commissioner has advised the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that there is no information available which suggests this attack was carried out or sanctioned by paramilitary interests. Every aspect of the investigation will be followed up to ensure these people are brought to justice.

On gangland crime and the murder of John Daly, provisional figures indicate there have been 57 murders this year as compared with 42 in the same period last year. Gang related killings do not account for this increase to date. There have been 17 murders involving firearms most of which resulted from gang related activities. It is not much consolation that the figure is the same for last year. Seventeen murders is 17 too many. Members will be aware of the Garda Síochána's excellent record in solving murders not related to gangland activity. It is only right we acknowledge this. Those murders, while all regrettable, occurred in a variety of circumstances not all of which are amenable to action by the criminal justice system. We are determined to do what we can to reduce the prevalence of violence. The aim of the new agency dealing with domestic violence is to treat all these incidences as appalling crimes. Deputy Kenny stated there is almost one death a week in this area. However, of the 40 recorded, practically all of them are domestic related.

Yesterday's shooting of John Daly was deplorable. It shows two things — I have said this in respect of other gangland killings — the appalling ruthlessness of people who carry out such killings and, the gun culture of death which is now part and parcel of the activities of these gangs. I am sure everyone sympathises with the taximan and others who found themselves caught up in such a dreadful situation. It also shows the difficulties involved for the Garda in trying to bring an end to these killings. I have received a great deal of information on this from the Garda Síochána and from the Minister. However, I do not wish to use it in this instance. John Daly has not yet had a funeral and it would serve no purpose to use it.

It is not easy for the Garda — this has been stressed to me by senior members of the Garda Síochána — when it does not receive co-operation from people whose lives are in danger. These people will not co-operate with the Garda who are trying to help them. While the Garda Síochána has launched countless operations to try to stop these killings, it cannot divert all its resources, on a daily basis, away from ensuring ordinary, law-abiding people can go about their business.

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