Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

I wish to share time with Deputies Jim O'Keeffe, Paul Connaughton, Tom Sheahan, Catherine Byrne, Kieran O'Donnell and Simon Coveney.

The former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Michael McDowell, spoke eloquently in the debates leading up to the enactment of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. On 19 December 2006, he stated that "a Government can have no greater priority than the safety of its people" and pointed out that the Government had provided a "comprehensive programme of measures to ensure that the full resources of the State are brought to bear as never before". He also asserted that it is "no use willing the end of gangland activities unless we will the means".

The Criminal Justice Act 2007 introduced a wide range of means to deal with the scourge of gangland crime, yet two years later we still await fundamental operational measures on the ground. Hurdles are continually being placed before the Garda Síochána in it efforts to apprehend gang members and establish cases against them. Problems have been encountered with the establishment of a DNA database, the upgrading of Garda communications equipment and the updating of interview principles and procedures. Without reform and change in these areas, bail laws, sentencing recommendations and judicial instruments will be of little use.

I express my sympathy to the family of the late Shane Geoghegan. The brutal murder of Mr. Geoghegan in Limerick during the weekend before last horrified the nation and clearly illustrated the threat posed by gangland figures to innocent members of society. The failure of the criminal justice system to secure convictions in 113 of the 127 gangland killings which have taken place since 1998 shows the Government is losing the war on gangland crime.

The Minister's response to this issue last week and in speaking to the motion last evening struck me as one of resignation, an acceptance of the status quo and an acknowledgement, as it were, that society will have to put up with this problem. The Minister's attitude is not good enough. Has anybody been convicted of directing gang activity under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2007? The answer is "No" and this will continue to be the case for as long as the Minister fails to take control and lead a strong, unstoppable effort to break up the gangs and put the thugs behind bars.

I commend members of the Garda Síochána, especially those based in Limerick, on their work in solving the cases presented to them. Better police work solves crime in the short term. Unfortunately, however, the Garda must be lucky all the time, whereas gangs can afford to be lucky occasionally.

The Government must ensure the Garda is equipped with the most modern equipment to counter gangland crime. The force needs the long promised digital radio communications system as the current equipment is outdated and easy to hack into. Speaking on the Garda communications system in December 2006, the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. McDowell, referred to high level project groups, procurement processes, financial due diligence and finance approval, in other words, the usual web of red tape and paper shuffling. Nothing has changed under the current Minister's watch. Those on the ground who put their lives on the line are still waiting. When will the essential communications system be made available to the Garda?

On the criminal age of responsibility, anecdotal evidence suggests children are being exploited and drawn into gangland activity. In recent times, we have heard of ten year olds proudly wearing bullet proof vests. I urge the Minister to treat those responsible for drawing children into gangland crime with the full vigour of the law.

With regard to Garda interrogation, the procedure under which members of the Garda Síochána are compelled to document and record evidence needs to be revised. The practice of gardaí having to transcribe questions during interrogation is outdated. Surely it is time video recordings of interrogation sessions were allowed as evidence.

Gangland crime is closely linked to the drug trade. Gangs rule with virtual impunity and jealously guard and fight for territory. Their members have no regard for life and will do anything to protect their empires. The value of drug seizures in the past year is approaching €1 billion. The link between gang suppliers and so-called middle Ireland must be tackled. To break this link, much stronger penalties should be imposed on recreational drug users, for example, by making them participate in community service in areas which have been savaged by drugs. Furthermore, moneys seized from gangland activities should be pumped back into these communities.

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