Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate and I wish to deal with the concerns of the people of rural County Limerick. This matter also is of extreme concern to them, given that tentacles of the difficulties and criminality in the city are extending out into County Limerick.

Before doing so, however, I again sympathise with Tom and Mary Geoghegan, Shane's brother, Anthony, and his fiancée, Jenna Barry. I congratulate and empathise with Mary and Jenna on the bravery they showed last night while appearing on national television on the "Crimecall" programme to try to assist with the investigation into this horrible crime. Deputies O'Donnell and Noonan have expertly challenged the Government in respect of what has happened in the Kilteragh estate. I know the Kilteragh estate very well, as a close member of my family, who was a friend of Shane, lived there and used to socialise with him. The fear and trepidation of the people of the estate is palpable. Such decent people, when going about their daily work and lives, should not be obliged to experience a level of fear and trepidation that almost invites a consideration to leave their homes. In a civilised society it is unacceptable that people should experience what almost constitutes trauma in respect of the death of someone they knew well and loved.

Such gangland crime also is of concern to the rural areas. Both gangs have purchased properties in County Limerick, the far west of the county included. Such properties are not holiday homes but constitute bases for the development of drug distribution in County Limerick in the future, if not already. While drug problems exist everywhere in Ireland, I have no doubt but that the drug problem in County Limerick has the mark of the aforementioned two gangs on it. I am concerned that the people of rural County Limerick may experience the ravages endured by the constituency represented by Deputies O'Donnell and Noonan.

It is time for the Minister to act to ensure our society is rid of this scourge. The problem has been identified for many years and surely the Government has the wherewithal to ensure that such vile activity can be removed from our society. The Minister must take action to so do and to ensure that people are protected and can feel safe in their communities and that this vile activity does not extend to other areas. Deputy Deenihan expressed his concern last night regarding its extension to northern Kerry and he has information that the activity of these gangs has extended to this area. In rural County Limerick, CAB already has confiscated the property of one of the gangs. Moreover, there has been murder in the county area that was connected to both gangs.

I wish to express to the Minister the concern of the people of the rural areas of the new Limerick constituency regarding what is happening in areas of the city. Although I come from the rural part of the county, Limerick is my city and one rightly talks it up. There is extreme concern in respect of the image Limerick city is obtaining because of such activities. However, last night demonstrated another side of the passionate, sporting, honest and decent people of Limerick and its surrounding areas.

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