Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Last week I raised the question of security and the lack of resources for the Garda in view of the circumstances in Limerick. I call on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come before the House to offer an explanation. The Government is soft on crime and there is no question that the provision of resources to the Garda has not been forthcoming, despite all the pious words we heard prior to and after the election. In view of the fact that the Army has to be called in to secure Shannon Airport, one wonders about the security implications for other airports.

I support Senator Henry's call for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to come before the House to explain the savage cuts of, in some instances, over 20%, and 50% in the arts budget in respect of programming grants. It is a disgrace.