John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy again on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality. I also acknowledge the presence of Deputy Kevin Humphreys. I will convey the points Deputy Ó Ríordáin makes to the Minister for direct reply. Notwithstanding the shocking events to which he referred, we should remember that, week in and week out, the Garda successfully brings people involved in gangland activities before the courts and secures convictions. A substantial number of gangland criminals are serving prison sentences. As I stated, I cannot comment on the details of the case the Deputy raises.

The Minister will continue to pursue important improvements to the overall legislative architecture. In this regard, the legislative priority for combating crime is the publication and enactment of a new criminal justice (forensic evidence and DNA database system) Bill.

This Bill represents a major step forward and will be important in the fight against serious crime. It will lead to the establishment for the first time of a national DNA database and give the Garda access to intelligence on a scale and of a quality that were not previously available. This is welcome news.

Despite the constraints on public finances, substantial Garda resources remain in place. These must be seen in the context of a programme of real reform being delivered by the Garda under the Croke Park agreement. The Garda has the Minister's full confidence and I am sure that every Deputy would acknowledge its achievements in tackling serious and all other forms of crimes and its continued work on behalf of our community.

Regarding the activation of people on the ground, social enterprise and the education system are important, as the Deputy knows from his involvement in his community. Being a rural-based politician, I know that this is a question of educating young people at an early stage and community leaders getting as many people as possible involved. This week, the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, announced her plan to return 10,000 people to work. I hope that the jobs budget will have this result for people who are currently unemployed and are being retrained, upskilled and so on.

Activity is the best approach. The social enterprise agenda is being enacted in every community and is undoubtedly relevant to the Deputy's constituency. It must be supported. We must support facilities for community involvement. One cannot beat the role of communities and the volunteers therein. The State cannot do this alone. Rather, a partnership between people and State agencies is necessary. It will undoubtedly make a difference.

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, will reply to the Deputy directly on the issues that have been raised. I thank Deputy Ó Ríordáin. I also thank Deputy Kevin Humphreys for his attendance.

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