Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I wish to express my deepest sympathy with the family of Shane Geoghegan and all his friends. What has happened is a nightmare beyond comprehension.

Does the Minister agree that prevention must be the first priority in the fight against organised crime? It is too late when the innocents are slaughtered. I ask the Minister to develop and support projects such as Operation Anvil and target the small group of ruthless individuals. Targeting by direct policing, along with prevention, is the way forward and should be the first priority in any crime strategy. I also urge the Minister to target the wealthy individuals, and sometimes professional people, who are using drugs such as cocaine. They are part of the market and they are feeding and fuelling these gun crimes. I ask the Minister to make this a priority in his effort to combat gangland killings.

Finally, I ask the Minister to ensure there is investment in the most disadvantaged areas of the country and that there is early intervention to save dysfunctional children who are living with violent families fuelled by alcohol and cocaine. We cannot expect a four-year-old child who lives in such an environment to grow up into a peace-loving person at 15 or 16. I urge the Minister to use his resources within the Department to assist early intervention projects.

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