Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

In spite of what the Minister says, the only benchmark or yardstick that can be used for serious crimes ranging from murder to common assault is statistics. One must contrast the resources available to the Garda with those available to criminal gangs. Last week it was reported a gang had bought 4 x 4 BMWs costing €200,000 and a 14 year old in Limerick had a bullet proof vest supplied by gangsters and a double barrel sawn off shotgun. If it was not for electricity, gardaí would be operating in Stone Age circumstances. They have no e-mail or digital radio, in spite of entering into two pilot projects in recent years. They also have no computers or laptops in cars and they have a fleet that constantly needs upgrading in terms of vehicular prowess. The situation is such that the Minister must provide resources to enable the Garda to deal with ever-changing and serious circumstances.

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