Seanad debates

Thursday, 16 October 2003

10:30 am

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Yesterday, Senator Terry raised an important matter concerning the latest spate of gangland killings in Finglas and other parts of the city. Already this year there have been 45 murders, compared to 52 murders last year. Last week, Fr. Seamus Aherne in Finglas made stark comments following the appalling murder there. He spoke about the tyranny of the few and said that those who are harassing the community need to be harassed by the law. He added that a gang of ten individuals is terrorising the community, where people are losing heart because they are afraid. Does the Leader agree that we urgently need a debate and a statement from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on the issue of gangland killings?

After the murder of Veronica Guerin in 1996 the political establishment woke up, took note of the situation and responded with new laws. Those same criminals, however, are back in business with new gangs, terrorising our community. It is about time the House had a major debate on crime, the spate of gangland killings and these new untouchables, who feel that they have a right to terrorise the community. It is a small group of people, but they are terrorising law-abiding citizens and we need a debate on this matter as soon as possible. Following Senator Terry's suggestion yesterday, I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to the House to address this serious matter.

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