Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

The Minister began his reply by stating there was an opportunity in the House last week to debate the increase in the number of murders and the indiscriminate use of guns on our streets. Regrettably since that occasion, only one week ago, there have been three further murders in the State, bringing the total number of murders this year to 47, some 20 of which can be categorised as so-called gangland killings. What steps is the Minister taking to deal with this increased pattern of UK-style gun and gangland culture in our cities? Youths seem to have free and easy access to guns, vicious and deadly knives, and swords. Communities are being terrorised and people are living in fear and anxiety. What steps are being taken by the Minister?

The Minister has given the same reply today as last week. There does not appear to be any sense of urgency on the part of the Minister, nor does there appear to be any sense of leadership. Has the Minister noted the recent comments of the former Police Commissioner of the City of Boston, Ms Kathleen O'Toole, who currently performs an admirable role as Chief Inspector of the Garda Inspectorate? She suggested relentless policing is important to ensure gangsters, gangland criminals and youths who are prepared to kill are apprehended prior to killing. Has the Minister examined the model in Boston, whereby a crime hot spot is targeted and youths in that area are dealt with by community police prior to committing offences?

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