Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Senator's frustrations. I am not the Minister for Justice and Equality or a Minister in that Department. Senator Nash was a Minister of State and knows that when Ministers are not available, Ministers of State step in. That is what I have done this morning in relaying the response of the Minister for Justice and Equality. I hear the Senator's concern and I will relay it to the Minister, Deputy Flanagan. I would point out, however, from my own regional experience, that we have had not dissimilar situations in other parts of the country. There have been concerted efforts by members of An Garda Síochána, supported by local authorities, State agencies, the Government and others in other parts of the country where there were particular feuds and difficulties that have been brought under control. The concerns the Senator has relayed are very serious, particularly in respect of the community he represents.

I will relay to the Minister for Justice and Equality the concerns the Senator has voiced today on behalf of the people of that part of County Louth and the wider east Meath area. I apologise the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, is not available. He had prior commitments and engagements. The Senator knows from his own time as a Minister of State that this often happens. Rather than deferring the issue, the decision was taken to discuss it in the Seanad today, which is important, with me as a Minister of State first relaying the response of the Minister for Justice and Equality, who is taking this issue seriously, and, second, relaying the Senator's concerns back to the Minister.