Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I join the Minister in offering direct condemnation of the latest tiger kidnappings in the State, including one which occurred most recently. Together, they add up to a serious problem as these despicable acts are occurring at a particularly frightening frequency. What role does the Minister see for himself in addressing the matter of tiger kidnappings?

While I do not wish to comment on any particular case or the specifics of the protocols, I put it to the Minister that his response to date has been somewhat less than meaningful in so far as a round of meetings takes place, the contents or circumstances of which remain outside the public domain and unknown. While I do not expect the House to discuss to any great extent the protocols in place, it is clear they are not working. What is the Minister's role in ensuring the protocols are sufficiently robust? What steps can be taken to ensure compliance with them?

I do not believe these vicious tiger kidnap robberies are entirely preventable given the hold on society of organised crime and gangs, particularly in certain areas. However, the Minister's role must be more than one of a passive bystander engaged in rounds of meetings that seemingly are not working or contributing towards preventing these most despicable acts.

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