Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I wish to propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 3 be deleted and replaced by statements on the upsurge in crime.

It would be wrong of the House to go into the Easter recess without an early statement from the Government and Senators on the issue. We are aware that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was in the House some weeks ago, but now is the time for action and to see the colour of the Government's money in respect of whatever proposals it wishes to bring forward.

As the Minister told the House two weeks ago, there has been a 22% increase in headline offences. Every day someone is kicked to death on our streets as a result of alcohol-induced violence and we now know that the Government's promise of 2,000 additional gardaí is nothing but a pipe dream. We would be in dereliction of our duty were we not to debate this important matter before the House rises tomorrow.