Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following:

expresses its abhorrence of all unlawful killings and the callous disregard for human life shown by such killings and expresses its sympathy to the families of all who have had loved ones killed in this way;

in particular deplores the brutal killing of Pawel Kalite and Mariusz Szwajkos and expresses its condolences to their families and friends, the Polish community in Ireland and the people of Poland;

condemns anti-social behaviour no matter by whom perpetrated and its effects on communities and particularly on the most vulnerable;

welcomes the policing priorities determined by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for 2008, as provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005, and the Garda policing plan for 2008 which is based on these priorities;

welcomes in particular the initiatives to target the use of knives and similar offensive weapons for violent attacks;

notes that, while heavy penalties already exist for offences involving weapons, the Garda Commissioner is finalising a review of the law in this area;

welcomes the priority being given by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to examining key aspects of the law regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol and his determination to tackle the public order aspects of such sale and consumption, including, as necessary, through the introduction of legislative proposals;

notes that the Garda policing plan for 2008 includes actions to proactively target groups and individuals involved in anti-social behaviour and identify and target local public order and anti-social behaviour hot spots;

endorses continuing implementation of the national drugs strategy and notes that a new strategy is in the course of preparation;

welcomes the continuing success of targeted Garda operations, including Operation Anvil;

notes the unprecedented level of resources made available to An Garda Síochána by the Government, totalling €1.616 billion in 2008, compared to just over €0.9 billion five years ago;

acknowledges the commitment in the programme for Government to increases in Garda strength, including a strength of 15,000 with a target date of 2010;

notes the far-reaching changes in criminal law introduced by the Government and enacted by the Oireachtas, including the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007;

acknowledges the efforts of the Government to bring about a more effective youth justice system, particularly through full commencement of the Children Act 2001 and the establishment of the Irish youth justice service;

notes the additional resources being provided to other agencies of the criminal justice system, including the Irish Prison Service;

looks forward to the roll-out to all local authority areas of joint policing committees in the course of this year; and

supports the work of An Garda Síochána and other agencies of the criminal justice system in dealing with those who threaten the rights of the community by their criminal and anti-social activities.

I propose to share time with Deputy Chris Andrews.

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