Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I accept those constructive suggestions and at least two or three of them are being examined, particularly in regard to the court system, the length of sentences and how the cases are dealt with. It is very difficult in gangland crime to get statements. We are all aware of the reasons for the difficulties, because we know the consequences. We can never give up on this issue, but there are dangers. There are other ways of dealing with these matters, but they are fairly tough. I do not disagree with any of the Deputy's suggestions.

In regard to the courts, it is not their speed of operation that matters; it is the type of court and how they operate. We have had experience of operating the kind of court where cases are not just based on witnesses coming forward. Cases in the Special Criminal Court were based on the word of members of the Garda who had information. We will re-examine this possibility if necessary but it is not entirely how we would like to operate. However, if gangs continue to act as they do, as legislators we will be forced to reconsider these issues, although this must be done carefully.

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