Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Like Senator Jim Walsh, I agree that the crime situation, about which we are all seriously concerned, should be neither overstated nor understated. The problem of shootings is concentrated mainly in a couple of cities. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, attended the House twice yesterday. He is a vigorous Minister. He has my confidence and I suspect he has the confidence of a large majority of the public also. The idea that a shooting can be stopped by an act of ministerial or Taoiseach's will is not remotely correct.