Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

In recent weeks the Garda has had substantial success in recovering drugs and arresting individuals engaged in drug related activities. It is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to determine issues of operation and how to best focus An Garda Síochána to tackle organised crime. I have had discussions with the Garda Commissioner on these areas and I have the utmost confidence in his judgment and capacity to determine how to best focus the Garda to tackle those engaged in organised crime. It remains a continuing concern to everyone that we have drugs gangs engaged in what could best be described as open urban warfare. In some parts of Dublin they fight over patches they wish to dominate for their illegal activities. This is a matter of concern to the Garda Commissioner. There are too many young men engaged in drug activities who have no respect for human life or human rights and show no concern for the communities on which they prey. The Garda take this issue with great seriousness and have engaged on occasions in very serious policing and detective work in very difficult circumstances. I have the greatest confidence in its ability.

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