Will the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment comment on the horrendous increase in violent assaults occurring on the streets of Dublin on a daily basis? Figures published during the week show a five-fold increase in violent assault in just two years. Does she agree that the Minister with responsibility in this area, far from responding to this, has sought to spread the blame by suggesting Opposition parties are holding up his programme of reform when the reality is that he is unable to present his proposals to the House? He has not yet completed his amendments. Does the Minister agree that is it is time the Minister in question took his responsibilities seriously and instead of publishing 50 proposals for legislation, started to get to grips with the real problems of crime on our streets and implement the laws that are already in place to make it safe to go out in cities, towns and rural areas?

I share the Deputy's concern at the increase in crime. It is a matter of concern to the entire community. To a large extent, data is now being recorded that was not recorded in the past. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has indicated he intends to publish the figures quarterly.

A number of Bills will greatly strengthen the powers of the Garda Síochána. For example, the new Criminal Justice (Garda Powers) Bill will give substantial additional powers to the Garda to investigate serious crime and the new public order legislation – currently going through the Oireachtas – will also enhance the power of the Garda in public order offences.

The Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Health and Children have spoken about issues around alcohol and the whole culture of alcohol consumption. Some of the measures that are to be introduced should be of help as a large proportion of crime arises from over-indulgence in alcohol and the combination of alcohol and drugs.

Since 1997 the Government has substantially increased resources in this area. There are an additional 1,100 gardaí and more than 1,200 new prison spaces. The Garda budget has increased by 60% from under €600 million to €900 million annually. While I do not think it is a question of resources, the new legislation will help the Garda in its work.

Does the Minister agree with me that part of the problem related to alcohol is the confusing approach from Government on alcohol policy? We often see Ministers photographed in pubs and other places of entertainment. The Government has extended the opening hours of public houses and expanded the availability of alcohol at every opportunity. The Government has no credibility in telling people that alcohol consumption needs to be curbed – it has lost its credibility in this area.

What is the Minister's response to the Government's solemn commitment to the recruitment of an additional 2,000 gardaí. The Minister for Finance has just told us that he is struggling with other Departments to reduce public service numbers by 5,000. Is it not the case that this was a promise made to get over the election period and cover the absence of a strategy to deal with a burgeoning problem of violent assault on our streets?

Does the Minister not agree that now is the time to implement the legislation that is already in force? For example, in relation to parents being involved in dealing with young offenders, the system that has been enabled by the juvenile justice legislation is still not being operated. Does the Minister agree that these are issues that need to be addressed rather than talking about café clubs and other kites she tries to fly from time to time?

As somebody that was involved in the opening of a licensed premises, I do not believe the opening of such premises—

That was only a flying visit.

I do not believe there is a contradiction between opening more facilities and responsible drinking. We are not trying to stop people drinking or enjoying alcohol, we are trying to encourage responsible drinking. The cafe approach, which is the norm in Europe and the United States for people who want a coffee or a glass of beer, is preferable.

We do not have the resources at present for the additional 2,000 gardaí and that is why we have not been able to proceed with our commitment in the programme for Government in that regard. Clearly, it is resource dependent.