Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is important to point out that the number of murders involving firearms in 2007 was 18 and it was 27 the previous year. To date this year there have been 19 deaths by shooting. Homicide offences have reduced by more than half during the third quarter and almost by half year on year. This is not to suggest that the problem is solved but it does suggest that the law enforcement agencies of the State are being successful in many respects.

Apart from investigating crime, to have interdiction before a crime is committed intelligence gathering and the availability of information is required. As with every other crime, people have information about this which could and would be helpful if they were prepared to make it available in a confidential or other basis to the gardaí who are investigating this murder. This is a fact.

In addition to the specialised units and the specific operations geared and targeted towards organised crime figures we also have a continuing emphasis on community policing and the increased visibility of gardaí on the streets to assist in building up a rapport with the community so people will provide whatever information they have however marginal they think——

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