Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

Last week I highlighted the fact that up to 100 drug dealers living in Spain appear to be untouchable. Resources must be put in place to deal with this issue and legislation must be enacted on a Europe-wide basis so that we can deal with these people. More drugs than ever are now coming into the country.

Last weekend the killing occurred of a small-time player in the drugs industry. This was the 29th such killing so far this year. We are facing a major crisis in the Garda. We need extra gardaí. Currently a great deal of overtime is available to gardaí but they are close to burnout as they are dealing with these serious crimes every day. These young men and women are putting themselves in dangerous situations on a daily basis and they cannot carry on like that. They need more help and assistance. I call for a debate on the increasing levels of gun and drug crime and how best we can approach this serious and escalating matter in a united way.