Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

I come from a very straightforward perspective on this; Limerick in particular has to deal with gangland crime, as Deputy Jan O'Sullivan knows. There is intimidation of witnesses and we have heard people like Michael Murray, the State solicitor, on the intimidation of jurors, about which I know. I welcome the Bill but I want to ensure that we give as much protection as possible to jurors and witnesses to ensure we get convictions and that those who have killed people and who are engaged in activities with regard to drugs and a range of areas are brought to justice as quickly as possible. This Bill goes in that direction but the intimidation of witnesses is a fundamental point and the Minister appreciates that. I seek assurances that we are moving in a direction whereby we have legislation in place to deal head on with gangland crime. It is nationwide but I can only speak from my personal experience of Limerick, the constituency and people I represent. This is the thrust of my argument. I welcome the Bill; I want this form of legislation and we have been calling for it for a long time. This question needs to be raised and debated which is why it is so important that we give it time, tease it out and examine ways to deal with these issues.

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