One of the biggest areas of social concern has been the huge increase in violent crime. On average, two people die in violent circumstances each week. Street violence has spiralled out of control. All political parties recognise that crucial to combating violence and protecting the security of the ordinary citizen is an increase in garda numbers. Both Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats gave a clear unequivocal commitment that they would increase the strength of the Garda Síochána by 2,000 personnel. Last Thursday, the Minister for Finance announced that there would be no funding allocation for increased garda numbers, so the spiral of violence is set not alone to continue but to get considerably worse. More people will die on our streets and end up in hospital, the victims of unprovoked attacks. This is yet another broken Government promise.