Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific and brutal murder of a citizen of the city on the streets last night. There is no place for such activity in a civilised country.

The Garda has faced down such criminal threats in the past and will do so now and well into the future. In that regard, our role as public representatives, and my role as Minister for Justice and Equality is to ensure in the first instance that the legislation and our legislative response is robust and, second, that there are appropriate levels of resources for the Garda Síochána.

In that regard I will respond directly to the point the Leader of the Opposition made. The armed support unit is very active. Since 16 December it is operating in this city around the clock, on a 24-7 basis.

Overtime for An Garda Síochána is in excess of €100 million for this year. I am in contact with the Garda Commissioner regularly and my understanding is that while the matter of resources is kept under review as far as gangland activity is concerned, especially in the inner city area of Dublin, it is not an issue. We will of course continue to keep the matter under review.

As regards last night's killing, I wish to assure the House that an active criminal investigation is under way and no stone will be left unturned by An Garda Síochána to bring those responsible to justice.

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