Mary Henry (Independent)

I welcome the Minister to the House to debate this largely sensible Bill. People living in poorer areas who, as Senator Brian Hayes noted, are acutely affected by crime, have long sought some of the measures proposed in this Bill.

Any measure that helps to convict criminals is welcome. The Minister has addressed that issue, although I doubt increased penalties will make a difference to prisoners' attitudes. I am frequently amazed at the sanguinity with which prisoners regard long sentences. Increased detection rates are the most effective deterrent to crime, so I urge the Minister to give the Garda all the support it needs. However, it is often difficult to determine whether the Garda has sufficient resources because its members often claim a shortage of manpower. When the Minister entered office, he revealed plans to significantly increase the size of the force. I hope he will be able to fulfil those plans because gardaí on the beat make a significant difference in terms of deterring crime. International studies indicate that the fear of detection is more effective than any mandatory sentence.

Like Senator Leyden, I am interested in the provisions on firearms. The number of crimes involving firearms has increased significantly and the criminal classes appear to find them incredibly easy to obtain. I presume firearms are also leaking into the rest of society. I was glad to note the inclusion of crossbows in the legislation. I know of a case in which two ten year old boys succeeded in buying one of these weapons from what was described as a reputable sports shop. Increased surveillance is needed in respect of those who have access to guns. I do not know why 14 year olds are allowed to own guns. The age limit could easily be increased to 18. Many gruesome murders have involved legally-held firearms and were committed by people with no history of psychiatric ill-health. I am unsure whether the Bill adequately addresses that issue.

I am disturbed by the provision that a gun dealer cannot be "a person of unsound mind" without a definition of "unsound mind" in the Bill or the principal Act. I can see the claims which will be made by the Minister's learned colleagues with regard to whether a person underwent a three-week course of Prozac five years ago. I have never heard evidence to the effect that gun dealers are a problem and would have liked to see clearer regulations with regard to who can possess firearms.

I do not know how easy it will be to enforce the provisions on organised crime. I am happy to say that I have never even been on the fringe of organised crime. I am sure the Minister is surprised at that.