Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The killing of Roy Collins is deplored by all right-thinking people and our sympathy is with his family and friends. The killing remains under active investigation by An Garda Síochána in Limerick, with assistance being provided, as required, by Garda national support services. A number of persons have been arrested and detained in the course of the investigation. One person has been charged in connection with this killing and the House will appreciate that consequently I am greatly constrained in what I can say about the specific incident. An Garda Síochána is in ongoing contact with the family of the deceased.

Considerable Garda resources within the Limerick Garda division are targeted at disrupting the activities of the criminal groupings. The regional support unit carries out armed patrols and other units, such as the emergency response unit and the units of national support services are available.

We cannot allow organised criminal gangs to attempt to undermine the criminal justice system. Such behaviour demands a response from the State and such a response will be forthcoming. The publication of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill last week will strengthen the ability of An Garda Síochána to bring gang members before the courts and offer evidence.

In addition, I have indicated that I am working on a range of other measures to combat intimidation by criminal gangs. These measures include: greater use of the Special Criminal Court; creating new offences of membership of and directing a criminal organisation; making these offences scheduled offences as regards the Special Criminal Court; simplifying the procedures relating to extension of time for questioning of suspects; and increasing the penalties for intimidation of a witness or juror. I expect to submit proposals in this regard to the Government for its approval in the coming weeks.

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