Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Connaughton for allowing me to use some of his time slot. Fine Gael has been calling for some time for such legislation. We think it is critical in the fight against crime and in recent years we have proposed a number of measures to aid conviction rates against criminals. A raft of legislation has been introduced in both Houses and there have been strong statements on how effective it will be, but I hope no loopholes will be found in this Bill. Deputy Connaughton referred to this but I hope the legislation has been well proofed so that criminals will not be able to avail of any loopholes.

Evidence garnered from the use of mobile phones will be critical when used in court. At present, gardaí can listen in to such conversations and gather information but it cannot be used to obtain a conviction. That is what it comes down to. According to available statistics, only 12% of the 171 shootings that have taken place in the past decade have resulted in convictions. That is a very poor result. Additional resources will have to made available for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Garda national surveillance unit to ensure the effectiveness of the Bill when enacted. Fine Gael has been calling for some time for the establishment of a DNA database, which has been discussed in committee. There should be a European database and the sooner one is introduced, the better.

I wish to refer to what is happening in Limerick in particular. The Bill is a response to gangland crime in Limerick and Dublin, but more so in Limerick, given what has happened recently, including murder and the intimidation of witnesses and other innocent people. Unfortunately, this is no longer a Limerick problem because the Limerick gangs and their associates have developed vast networks all over the region. I am particularly aware of this since I live in the neighbouring county of Kerry. These gangs are now developing their networks from Tralee northwards through Listowel, into west Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Glin and other places. It is only a matter of time before they are fighting for their own turf in those areas to defend the networks they have set up. If this is not curbed, we could have a regional problem, rather than a local one in Limerick. The situation is currently controlled by gangs and their associates in Limerick. Families have been mentioned in the city in this regard, but the problem is much bigger than those families because they do not have total control of the drugs trade there. People think it is all controlled by a few tightly-knit families, but it is even bigger than that. Obviously there are rich pickings and the movement of traffic in the Shannon Estuary provides an easily accessible point for the importation of drugs.

It is my duty as a politician to express my concern about what I see. In addition, I am receiving information from Garda sources on what is happening in towns such as Listowel and Tralee where there is a ready supply of drugs coming from Limerick city. There is major control by gangs in those areas, which is sophisticated and fairly well organised.

I welcome this Bill which we have been seeking for some time. I hope the necessary resources will be put in place to ensure its effectiveness. It is just another weapon in the fight against criminals who are really challenging democracy and the very stability of our country. This is one aspect upon which we can all unite in this House. We must take on these criminals, be they in Limerick, Dublin or elsewhere.

I welcome the Bill and urge its speedy enactment and implementation.

See this speech in context