Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, to the House and commend him on his leadership of the Department and in terms of ensuring law and order. He has done a tremendous job since his appointment. The Garda Síochána has a great friend in court in the form of the Cabinet, including the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I say this because I am a nominee of the Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors. I have always respected the fact that I received a nomination through them. As a result, I have no hesitation in praising their work in this House. There are enough people to criticise them at particular times.

I sympathise with all the people of Limerick on the tragic death of Shane Geoghegan. It is very sad event. Mr. Geoghegan never had hand, act or part in criminality in Limerick and his death indicates that criminality is affecting those who are not involved. Previously most of the murders and crimes causing outrage were committed by members of criminal gangs. In the case of the recent murder, there has been an outcry by the people of Limerick, the church and public representatives. It is similar to the Veronica Guerin case in 1996, which led to the establishment of the CAB. In that year, there was great co-operation between the then Opposition spokesperson on justice and law reform and the then Minister, Nora Owen. A Private Members' Bill was adopted——