Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I thank the Leader for arranging today's debate on mental health, which many Senators have sought. It is important that we hold this debate because, as Senator Harris has noted, it will provide us with an opportunity to influence attitudes on mental health.

I believe every Senator would wish to express abhorrence at the two murders which have taken place since this House last met. While every murder is dreadful, these were particularly cold-blooded and horrific displays of violence. In one of the cases, a young man was bludgeoned to death by a group of men. As he screamed for his life, he was told, "Now you know who is in charge here". That chilling comment was reported in our newspapers. Another young man was shot to death while he was sharing a taxi with three women and a driver in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Surprisingly, the Green Party was somewhat critical of my party when Senator Regan brought a Private Members' motion which highlighted the urgency of this issue last week. The response of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the motion did not demonstrate the urgency required to address the types of gangland crime we are currently seeing. Fine Gael will not be found wanting in supporting the range of measures needed to deal with this issue. The Minister stated that he would raise the issue with the Garda as a priority, although he had not yet agreed priorities for 2008 when he came to the House.

It is clear that the issue of combating gangland crime needs to become a priority for the Garda in the coming year. I urge the Leader to request the Minister's return to the House so that he can indicate the priorities and extra resources he will dedicate to addressing this issue. These two horrific murders highlight the need for urgency in introducing new measures and resources.