Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is not correct in this regard. The Government is devoting enormous resources to the fight against crime. I have made it clear that it has absolute priority in the allocation of resources within my Department. That will remain the case, even though I am criticised by Deputies opposite for the consequences of that approach.

The Government has also approved my proposals to introduce new legislation underpinning the use of covert surveillance methods by the Garda. Under the legislation, the State will be able to use collateral material obtained by means of covert surveillance as evidence to support or strengthen the case for the prosecution at a criminal trial. This legislation will be introduced to the Dáil shortly and should be of considerable assistance in achieving successful prosecutions of gang members.

See this speech in context