Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate Deputy Kenny's remarks and the constructive manner in which he makes them. I am not suggesting there is any one simple solution. I have attended many meetings and security briefings with the Garda Síochána which has, through Operation Anvil, collected some 750 guns and carried out some 40,000 drug searches. Earlier this year, an extensive Criminal Justice Bill was added to the already enormous volume of legislation in this area and we have recruited 4,000 gardaí. Proportionately, given the size of this country, we have put more gardaí into the system than any other country in Europe. The proportion of gardaí per head of population is high. This is not an easy area to manage.

In speaking earlier about communities, I was referring also to the young people who are beaten up on our streets at weekends. These people are being turned on within communities by thugs who beat them to a pulp for fun. Neighbourhood police and community activists can assist in addressing these issues, but obviously they cannot do so without help and involvement of the Garda.

The Government has introduced a vast range of supports be it better housing, education programmes for the disadvantaged, facilities such as training or workshops to help rehabilitate those who have had difficult lives — perhaps through no fault of their own. These are important issues. Trying to save people in society, often from themselves or from the bad luck they have experienced in their lives, is important.

I assure Deputy Kenny that I am in contact with the Garda Síochána and that I, and some of my Cabinet colleagues, will shortly meet senior Garda in a high level meeting to discuss the issue of wanton vandalism on the streets of urban and rural Ireland and other related matters.

In terms of legislation and actions we are down to very hard places. I accept Deputy Kenny's point that we may need to examine them. We have used all the obvious mechanisms open to us; what remains is quite draconian but we may have to give some thought to it. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in conjunction with the Garda Síochána is considering whether more stern action is required.

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