Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I am grateful for the time. Like every Member who has spoken today, I condemn the dreadful murder of Shane Geoghegan in Limerick and extend sympathies to his bereaved family. It is time we had a debate on how best to deal with gangland murder. The focus on sanctions and trial processes is not the most effective response for the victims of this appalling crime. We would be better placed examining investigation, detection and how best to reassure potential witnesses. In catching people and ensuring they are convicted of crimes, it is crucial that evidence can be gathered. Before any case goes to court, it is important that the Garda Síochána has the ability to gather evidence. Chief among the tasks of the Garda Síochána is to reassure potential witnesses that they will not be intimidated and will be protected if they come forward and give the evidence necessary to prosecute and convict people.

The Special Criminal Court is used for organised crime. It can be used because the Director of Public Prosecutions has the power to refer all sorts of crimes for trial before that non-jury court. We already have extensive severe penalties. We brought in such penalties, mandatory minimum sentences, in 2006 in respect of firearms offences. We must examine witness protection programmes and reassurance for potential witnesses. These are the key areas in terms of effective prevention of this sort of appalling crime.

I seek a debate on the Climate Protection Bill, which I have sought a number of times. I renew my call given the absence of other legislation in the House.

I add my voice to the voices of others, calling for an urgent debate on the future of the Equality Authority. I do not agree that this authority is part of some human rights industry. One can examine the very human cases the authority has supported, such as the Christian Brother in his 70s, who last week won his claim of age discrimination against a car hire company, thereby changing policies on car hire for older people. We see the real people who are being helped by the Equality Authority and who will miss the authority in its watered down form.