Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I indicated I wished to speak yesterday with a view to joining others in expressing my condolences and sympathies to Mr. Shane Geoghegan's family, fiancée, friends, work and sports colleagues, including the Garryowen Football Club, and the people of Limerick on his awful and tragic murder. The crime was a step too far by gangland scum. Clearly, it is known who is responsible for the murder. We know the gang involved, which is one of two gangs in the area.

I support Senator Twomey's point on gangland activity in recent years. A quick reflection on gangland activity indicates a failure by the authorities to stop gangs' criminal ways. This murder should be the catalyst for change in the way we address criminality. I am happy to put on public record my support and that of the public to whom I spoke for any suitable mechanism that will remove these scumbags from our community. The public does not want them to be given any special considerations or rights to this or that, it simply wants them lifted and removed. It is important that I state that in the House because I am hearing it left, right and centre.

Will the Leader raise with the Minister for Foreign Affairs the severity of the sentences imposed on pro-democracy activists by a closed military court in Burma? I am appalled at the severity of the sentence of 65 years which was imposed in each case. However, I am not surprised given the brutal regime that exists in Burma. Some international action is now required against this brutal regime and we cannot allow the innocent activists to face the next 65 years in an inhumane Burmese prison system. I ask the Leader, therefore, to raise this matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs.