Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I support the comments made by Senator Ulick Burke in regard to the success of the gardaí in west Dublin in tracking down the number of criminals in the area and confiscating a huge number of illegal weapons held by them, evidence of which we saw on our television screens last night. I received figures from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform this morning which demonstrate that in Dublin 15 last year, some 79 crimes were committed using firearms. This high number of incidents represents an increase of more than 20 on the previous year and indicates we have a major problem. There have been several deaths as a result of violent and criminal activity. I welcome that the number of gardaí in the area has been increased, although we need more there and elsewhere. We know that the provision of additional gardaí and resources results in a reduction in crime. If the gardaí are given all the help and resources they need, we will see the benefits. I welcome the progress made in west Dublin.