Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

The Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform need to work together on this issue. I am concerned there is not a sufficient level of co-operation among the Departments to deal with it and that there is not a format in place to ensure we get the best out of the services, by the providers of those services working together, to reclaim communities and public spaces.

On the continuum of crime, a man interviewed on "Prime Time", to be broadcast this evening, describes himself as an ordinary criminal, whatever that means. I saw a garda being interviewed who said there is no such thing. This man has had to make a settlement with the CAB and has had a chequered criminal history.

We need to examine what role we in the Seanad can play. We need a Cabinet subcommittee on this issue. We have one on social inclusion but we need one on enhancing communities and for it to involve co-operation among the Departments, given that the Departments of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Education and Science, Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform are involved. There is a perception that nobody is co-ordinating the services and showing leadership for communities. This problem is being experienced in all communities and not only in those in one postal code.

We need leadership on this issue at a national level and at a local level. Only last night I attended a meeting at which people said they could not use their local park. Other communities throughout the country have had similar experiences. The latest revelation is that a garda superintendent said a boy — a 15 year old — was told his head would be blown off if he did not do what he was told. It is disturbing that under the leadership of the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, only 24 out of 170 people involved in gangland killings have been brought to justice. This is a serious matter. We ought to find a mechanism to address it in this House by the input of a number of Ministers in a cross-departmental response. This is important.

The suggestion by the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Tom Kitt, during an interview on radio this morning that penalty points should be doubled for this bank holiday weekend is bizarre. It may well be a good suggestion but the key issue that should be addressed is one concerning the Government appointed advisory group in regard the drink-driving blood alcohol level. It seems there is disagreement in Fianna Fáil about this but the advisory group has recommended to the Road Safety Authority and to the Government that action should be taken. Perhaps the Leader might inform the House as to the current position on this issue.