Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

CCTV cameras are already working as we speak. There are 29 mounted gardaí on bicycles. Huge resources have been put into Limerick, where there is significant difficulty. Deputy Ó Snodaigh's suggestion about digital radio is a matter for An Garda Síochána but I will raise it with its management.

The Government has introduced significant criminal justice legislation in the past two years. Deputy Noonan raised the issue about longer interrogation periods. Until July 2007, the period for detention was 12 to 24 hours. The House, through legislation, increased it to seven days for serious offences such as gangland murders, firearms possession and kidnapping. Deputy Rabbitte made a fine speech and all that but he must remember that his party objected to the seven-day period for detention, claiming it was excessive. We must all agree on the measures that we take.

Deputy Noonan's suggestion regarding the role of a chief superintendent's evidence is valid.

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