Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I am in total agreement with Senator Finucane on road safety. I have raised this matter previously, as have other Members. There is an obligation on the vendor of a vehicle, whether a garage, car sales outlet or private individual, to ensure that the purchaser of the vehicle has insurance. Vehicles should not be released until that happens but it is not happening, which is why problems arise.

A spate of purse-taking from shoppers in Dunnes Stores and other outlets took place in Mullingar last Saturday. A neighbour of mine reported the matter to gardaí and was informed it was the fourth complaint they had received and that a group of non-national women was believed to be responsible.

I have stated in the House previously and reiterate that I am not anti-immigrant — I was an immigrant myself. However, gangs are coming to this country from eastern Europe for nothing but the purpose of perpetrating crime. These acts were carried out under the pretence of picking up something that had dropped on the ground, with three or four women involved in all cases. I ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, or whoever is responsible, to ensure that these people, when apprehended, are shown the gate. We welcome non-nationals and those who come to work. I was welcomed across the water but I went to work, not to thieve purses or anything of the kind.