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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Consolidated organised-crime legislation

Summary

Deputy Bernard Durkan urges a single consolidated law against organised criminal gangs. The Taoiseach says the Justice Department is reviewing existing provisions and that further legislation is expected later this year or early next year.

Bernard Durkan Deputy Bernard J. Durkan Fine Gael

At last, I have come to a juncture where I agree entirely with the points made by Deputies Martin, Buttimer and others. Ten years ago, as the Ceann Comhairle well remembers and those Deputies who were in the House at the time should also remember, I raised the issue of organised crime.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I remember it well.

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Bernard Durkan Deputy Bernard J. Durkan Fine Gael

Normal methods will not resolve the problem of organised crime.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

What Bill were we discussing at the time?

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Bernard Durkan Deputy Bernard J. Durkan Fine Gael

I will come to that in two seconds. I have long since advocated the introduction of a single, consolidated Act to deal with membership of organised criminal gangs because nothing else will put them out of business. Legislation is promised and I suggest the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill be used as a vehicle to introduce one Act that will deal, once and for all, with organised criminals. Otherwise, we will continue to live with them as we have done for the past ten or 15 years. Will such a Bill be introduced and will my advice be taken on this occasion?

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I do not know about the Deputy's advice being taken but we will find out when the Bill is being taken.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Deputy Durkan's advice is always relevant. The Minister for Justice and Equality has requested his Department to review the operation of the organised crime provisions that are contained in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 to determine if they should be strengthened. The Bill to which the Deputy refers will be taken later this year or early next year. The Minister is in contact with the Garda Commissioner arising from the latest spate of gangland murders.

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