Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I agree with the Deputy on the issue of gangland killings and intimidation in communities. They have to be condemned and rejected by every right thinking person in the country. That is certainly the view of the Government which is supporting the Garda Síochána in its work in detecting and bringing to justice those responsible for gangland crime. It is also trying to ensure communities work with and support the Garda in detecting those responsible for such crimes in order that, wherever possible, they can be prevented.

I do not agree that the closure of Garda stations is responsible for gangland crime. In this modern society we need gardaí out in communities working closely with them to ensure they have the necessary information and evidence to charge and bring those responsible before the courts in order that they can be dealt with. I agree with the Deputy on the shootings reported. As far as the Government is concerned, it is most certainly not a case of moving on when such appalling murders are committed. Our priority is to support the Garda Síochána and we call on others to do the same in order that gardaí will be able to do their job and bring those responsible to justice.

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