Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

A previous Minister for Justice, commenting on a similar attack more than a year ago, described it as the last sting of a dying wasp. It is clear this is an ongoing issue. Arms were used in another incident in Drimnagh this morning. Given the number of recent incidents involving arms, serious questions arise regarding the need for legislation in this area and the need to help the Garda to deal with this major threat to security and to the everyday lives of people. The public is very concerned about the increasing use of arms, given that criminals are now turning on gardaí going about their day-to-day work.

I note the GRA described this as a callous, cowardly and despicable act, which it certainly is. We should have a debate with the Minister in the House at the earliest opportunity to find out whether he agrees with the views of his predecessor or whether he believes new initiatives are needed to deal with this problem.