Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Fine Gael supports this resolution to extend the provisions of the 1998 Act. This is not an academic exercise. A total of 247 persons were arrested under these provisions during the period under review. Alarmingly, we see more and more clear evidence of links between dissident republicans and gangland crime and of dissident republicans co-operating with crime lords. Unfortunately, the legacy of paramilitarism is alive and well, and it must be countered.

As part of this effort, we must ensure the availability to the Garda Síochána of the necessary powers to deal with those involved. It is not a question of isolated incidents; some 247 people were arrested last year under the provisions of this legislation. New crime figures released yesterday by the Central Statistics Office included one truly alarming figure. The number of offences for the discharge of firearms has increased by 41% compared with the first quarter of last year, an indication of the increasing incidence of offenders resorting to firearms. This offers clear proof that former paramilitaries are now making available their expertise and peddling their wares to gang overlords in our society.

We must confront this issue with every possible legitimate means. In the wake of the Omagh bombing, it was considered that certain measures were necessary to confront the dissident republican threat. That is why the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 was brought into force by the Oireachtas. Fine Gael supported the enactment of that measure and supports its continuation.

In some ways, the threat facing the people of this State is now even greater. There is clear evidence that the country is awash with firearms, and we have had a failed amnesty. There is evidence of increasing use of firearms in a growing number of crimes. We also have clear evidence that those who have acquired experience and expertise in this area in the past are now either directly involved in gangland criminal activity or are making their knowledge available to those so involved. This can be seen from the pipe bomb incidents the Minister of State mentioned. We must confront these people, and one way of so doing is to continue the operation of this Act.

It will not happen, however, while the Garda Síochána is continually denied resources in terms of manpower and equipment. Instead of an additional 2,000 gardaí, only 1,178 have been appointed in the five years the Government has been in power. There is also a problem with equipment, on which promises were made and not kept. Gardaí, in confronting armed criminals, are still operating walkie-talkies that are 20 years old. We have no option but to continue these provisions as one part of the legal armoury available to the Garda Síochána in enabling it to arrest people involved in these heinous crimes.

The State has a duty to defend the rights of citizens. If citizens' lives are threatened by groups that contemptuously consider themselves to be outside the jurisdiction of the State, the power to protect such people must be given by the State, and the Legislature, to the officeholders of the Government, the Garda and the courts. For as long as there are groups and individuals bent on usurping the democratic institutions of this jurisdiction, the State must have at its disposal the means to protect itself and its citizens. I fully support the continuation of these provisions.