Michael McCarthy (Labour)

Will the Leader invite the former Attorney General, president of the Progressive Democrats and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, to the House to inform us when he intends recruiting the 2,000 gardaí promised in the programme for Government? Numerous calls have been made in the House, not least by Senator Terry, for a debate on the frightening increase in crime levels. Anyone who listened to Marian Finucane's radio programme over the past two mornings will have been appalled by the reality of the increase in crime figures. It would be opportune if the Minister, Deputy McDowell, could come before the House to inform us when he will begin recruiting these 2,000 gardaí.