Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. There is major cross-party concern in this House about these gangland killings, but we need to be radical and bring forward alternative strategies to deal with the issues, and particularly the drugs issue. There is a significant market in middle-class and well-off areas for cocaine and then there is heroin across the more disadvantaged areas, and these are links to violent deaths.

Under the existing gangland legislation - there seems to be loads of legislation on the Statute Book - how many of those directly responsible have been arrested over the past 12 months? Would the Taoiseach accept that a well-off person who uses cocaine cannot shrug his or her shoulders and state that it has nothing to do with him or her when some young lad is blown away in a gangland hit? Is the Taoiseach aware of the significant pressures on communities where young people are being bullied and intimidated by these gangs and that if they do not assist the gangs, they suffer the consequences?

As I speak, I am reminded of the late Deputy Tony Gregory who stood up against these gang leaders and drug pushers, even at risk to his own life. I ask the Taoiseach to honour Tony's commitment to this issue by giving a serious commitment in the Dáil to face down these gangland killers and stand with the poorest communities, in particular, who are taking a considerable hit on this issue. I ask the Government to stand with these communities because they need our support and help.

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