Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Arising from the murder on 3 September 2012 of Mr. Alan Ryan, and in the absence of the Minister, who was unavoidably detained, Deputies discussed at length with the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, the fallout from a disgusting series of events that took place at Mr. Ryan's funeral. The activities in question had the potential to inflict severe reputational damage on Dublin city and the country. They were not done in the name of republicanism but were acts of criminality, nothing more or less. Since the murder of Alan Ryan, it has been disturbing to note that children have witnessed several other murders on our streets in broad daylight. We must take this issue seriously.

I welcome the decision of the Garda Commissioner to appear before the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. Several weeks ago, I stated in the House that we must do everything possible to assist the Garda in stamping out gangland crime. I also called on anyone with information to assist the Garda, a call I reiterate today. While I concur with the Minister that there is no simple solution to the problem of gangland crime, we need to provide adequate resources for the Garda Síochána and show political leadership. Resourcing the Garda is a matter for ongoing discussion. While I and the Minister have shown political leadership on this issue, in Limerick, where 50 gardaí were deployed under Operation Ambience to arrest nine people, Sinn Féin has provided political cover to criminals and thugs. The party described the activities of the Garda in furthering its investigations as disgraceful and an overreaction. I ask the Minister to join me in condemning the comments of Sinn Féin. It would be unfair to describe them as a new low as they are a continuation of that party's low standards in giving political cover to thugs and criminals who pose as republicans while engaging in gangland activity. We must give political leadership in this matter.

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