Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to make a brief contribution to this important debate. I compliment the Fine Gael spokesperson on facilitating us in that regard because it gives us an opportunity to strongly support the work of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, who, like his immediate predecessor and other colleagues, has shown a willingness to deal with the issues that are of concern to all of us. The Limerick Leader had an amazing headline: "United in Grief and Anger as Shane Geoghegan is Laid to Rest". We have all been united. I did not know the young man and I do not know Limerick as well as Deputy Niall Collins and other colleagues, but we have all been struck by the death of Shane Geoghegan and how communities right around the country have reacted to that terrible tragedy. The local priest, Fr. Jim Maher, said at the funeral that he hoped the death would mark a turning point in the type of violence which has marred the good name of Limerick and other cities. He called for the cycle of violence to be confined to history.

Like other colleagues, I support the Minister in his work and in examining all of the issues. People are entitled to make political points but we should be focused. We should understand the need for action and for the Minister to be tough. I speak as someone who, like other colleagues, has been threatened in the past for speaking out about gangland crime and crime in general, especially in the Dublin region. I will never be afraid to do that, nor will I be afraid to speak from the Fianna Fáil benches in support of those who are affected by crime.

A clear linkage has been made in recent days to the drugs trade and drug barons. Newspaper articles pointed out that middle class people who take recreational drugs are fuelling the current situation. Senator Costello referred to the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing and Threats initiative, which has been prevalent throughout the Dublin region. Like other colleagues, I strongly support it. In addition, the Minister of State, Deputy John Curran, faces a particular challenge as he is the Minister of State with responsibility for the drugs strategy. There is a need to strongly support him.

I am not afraid to say that even at a time of economic challenge we must continue the funding and support for all the community supports that are needed. My community, like that of the Acting Chairman, Deputy Ardagh, is no different in that regard. I want to be positive about my own community but there are challenges to be faced and we should take every opportunity to support those organisations that are fighting against the drug barons and to tackle the problems that exist. We should continue to do that.

I heard the Labour Party spokesman refer to my constituency. I am not afraid to say that Tallaght, the third largest population centre in the country, does need more gardaí, a new Garda station and as much support as possible to continue the fight in which we are all engaged. As a member of the south Dublin joint policing board, of which the Acting Chairman, Deputy Ardagh, and Deputy Catherine Byrne will be very much aware, I with my colleagues will continue the fight in partnership with the gardaí, the county council and other community representatives.

I extend my deepest sympathy to all those affected by gangland crime, particularly those in Limerick. We should reach out to them. We should, in a very positive way, take up the challenge of Fr. Jim Maher, namely, to ensure the Garda and State agencies have sufficient resources to fight gangland crime and bring the killers of Shane Geoghegan to justice.

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