Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane raised the issue of crime in Limerick. I understand his deep concern as he knows the area well. He spoke about Chief Superintendent Kelly, who was also mentioned yesterday by Senator O'Toole, and the articulate way in which he expressed his views on what was happening. The Senator asked that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform come to the Seanad for a question and answer session. The Minister responds well to such an arrangement and I will ask him to come to the House as quickly as possible. I share the concern of Members about crime. People have a sense of fear and a desire that we get to grips with the problem. Practically all the contributions referred to this.

Senator O'Toole raised the murder of Brian Fitzgerald before Christmas and spoke with great foresight of how the situation would develop. Today he said the competition legislation was not working because only three gardaí had been allocated for it. He asked that the Tánaiste come to the House to discuss it. I will make that request.

Senator Ryan also spoke about crime in society. He mentioned a colleague, Senator Ross, blaming all our ills on the public service and offered a rebuttal to that argument. Many of us would have similar feelings.