Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

Senator Frances Fitzgerald raised two very important issues. The first is the terrible killing of Aidan O'Kane, an innocent man who was contributing to his community. It is evident from reports that the gun victim endured an anti-social campaign so the incident started with anti-social behaviour. The Garda was aware of this type of activity, which led to this terrible killing. It is important that the Garda Síochána and the Minister, in his directions and priorities, recognise the importance of anti-social behaviour as the first step in the existence of crime in many communities. That is particularly relevant in the case of young people being induced into the path of crime.

The Minister is not taking that issue seriously. With another killing of an innocent man, he is clearly not taking on the criminals. Ultimately, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for upholding law and order in this country and he is failing dismally in that task.

The Taoiseach commented that this incident reinforced the correctness of the decision last month by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, to take licensed handguns out of circulation. What has that to do with anything?