Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane, in his capacity as acting Leader of the Opposition, raised the issue of gangland killings, as he has done forcibly on many other occasions. He called it a national emergency. There is a clear definition in the Constitution of what constitutes a national emergency. He said no gangland killer has been convicted and if an individual is killed, the vacuum is immediately filled. New people emerge following a spate of killings. He wants the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to pull all the pieces together, be it legislation, resources, rhetoric and whatever else, and to submit a composite package.

Senator O'Toole called for a debate on mandatory sentencing. This is a theme to which he constantly refers. He stated the Judiciary can draw inferences from the use of the right to silence etc. It would be useful to debate this topic.

Senator O'Toole also drew attention to the information received by all Members from the library and research service. I have just skimmed it but it appears to be a most worthwhile publication. I thank the service for producing this unbiased document. If we could get more of them we would have much information at our fingertips which is often difficult to source.

Senator O'Meara expressed the opinion that the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was ineffective in dealing with murderous crime. I think he is an effective Minister. Members should not all jump up shouting and try to beat me up. I mean that metaphorically speaking.