Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The situation on our streets is very dangerous and is deteriorating. Murder levels have increased by 300% in the past three years and the incidence of firearm use has increased in the past three years by 45%. At the weekend the Minister stated that judges "have to get real" on sentencing. I wish to hear him outline what else can be done by way of legislation, additional powers or resources for the Garda Síochána to ensure that this wasp is decommissioned.

This is a direct challenge to modern Ireland. There are two Irelands, one that is law-abiding and another that believes itself to be outside the rule of law and carries out summary executions as seen in Finglas this morning. We must examine this issue seriously. Judges must play a role in implementing laws on minimum mandatory sentences passed by this House. What else, according to the Minister, must be put in place so that organised crime can be tackled?

I saw the "Prime Time Investigates" programme on the corrupt practices of estate agents, auctioneers and others in the Irish housing market. In 1998, I proposed the Home Purchasers (Anti-Gazumping) Bill, which was voted down by Fianna Fáil in the Dáil. I was told there was no need for mandatory codes or regulation because the industry could regulate itself and that voluntary codes were the way to go.