Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform brings forward such legislative matters on behalf of the Government. In respect of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill, while the Garda Síochána has been successful in arresting and achieving the conviction of gang members, this has not stopped people involved with gangs committing further acts of violence and engaging in intimidation. Recent killings of citizens and relatives of persons who have given evidence against gang members are attempts to intimidate witnesses and undermine the criminal justice system. This demands a response from the State. Several measures have been introduced to address organised crime, including the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill 2009. I confirm that at its meeting this week the Government discussed a series of legislative proposals from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, including measures to deal specifically with gang-related crime. Details of these proposals will be announced in due course.

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