Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

There have been five vicious cold-blooded gun murders in the State over the course of the few days that have passed this year. What legislative measures do the Tánaiste and her colleagues propose to introduce to deal with this issue? A Bill that was described by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform as ground-breaking and earth-shattering was passed with all-party agreement in this House last year. He promised results, but his Government has failed to deliver. When that legislation was passed last year, the Tánaiste and her colleagues raised expectations that the Garda Síochána would deliver. How can they tally the passing of tough legislation with the fact that almost 800 members of the force, some at very senior level, retired last year? The Minister for Finance promised that senior officerships in the Garda would be filled.

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