Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I wish to touch on an issue that has not been raised earlier in respect of the Criminal Assets Bureau, CAB. I refer to what I should describe as a chestnut of mine, namely, a regional version of CAB. For too long, CAB has focused exclusively on the major players. While I can understand the logic behind this, it also would be logical to establish a regional version of CAB that would be able to take on such people while they are still small fish and before they become dangerous sharks. I know, and the Garda know, who the drug dealers are in my town. Most Members know who the drug dealers are and who are the main players. Although the information exists, the problem is that both the will and resources to deal with it are lacking. For example, I once contacted CAB to deal with a man who had no source of income but who was driving a large, brand new jeep. The CAB stated he was too small a player, which I accept, as it should concentrate on the major players. However, I then contacted Revenue only to be told it was not Revenue's job and the Garda then stated it did not have the resources.

My point is the requisite information exists and although it is soft information, people must come out of the comfort zone and use it. Such information is widely available in this House and every superintendent in the State knows exactly who are the people in question. However, I question whether we are prepared to invest in the social capital of our communities to take them on before they become dangerous criminals who engage in warfare with one another and who catch innocent civilians in the crossfire. While it is not a shiny Luas tram or a new tunnel at which one cuts an opening ribbon, it would be an investment in social capital. Members such as Deputy Catherine Byrne, who is present, know exactly what I mean in this regard. Her role in respect of drugs must be noted and should be considered quite exceptional.

As my time is short and Deputy Neville wishes to make his contribution, I will touch on one other issue. An entente exists between many institutions of the State, starting with the Minister. The entente operates between the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and his officials beside him, who constitute the permanent executive of this State. The entente also includes Garda management, its senior officials, individual gardaí and the Garda representative bodies. Everyone operates within the comfort zone and no one wishes to step out of it to take on the real issue. For example, no one wishes to deal with the fact that a garda who is stationed in a small area in which there is practically no trouble, apart perhaps from the need to run a few sheep from the road or something similar, receives the same salary as an officer who operates in deprived urban areas in which gangland warfare takes place. This will be the case until the entente is broken by someone who asserts he or she will not continue with it to ensure there are no more Donna Clearys or Anthony Campbells.

I also attended Thomond Park last night and the screen display regarding Mr. Geoghegan's decency will stick in my mind for a long time. One ingredient that is necessary to break that entente, and which I do not believe the Minister possesses, is courage.

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