Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

It was with interest that I listened to a number of comments on the issue of crime and gangland activity. I welcome the comments which suggested that we should be tough on crime. It is important that we hold together and show unanimity in our desire to address this problem. Equally, we must show our allegiance and solidarity with the agencies of the State which are doing tremendous work in the fight against crime. I wish the incoming Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, every success in his position. I offer a word of caution to Senator Regan, who seemed to criticise the detection rates of our tremendous Garda force. We should tread cautiously when we start cherry-picking. Everybody does a great job and we should give them our support.

Next Friday, 26 October, is Telethon day. I wish to take this opportunity to encourage everybody to participate in this event and to congratulate all those involved. The People in Need Trust has given out more than €35 million in grants to groups throughout the country.