Criminal gangs and Garda resources
Deputy Martin condemned recent murders and questioned reports of reduced Garda funding. The Minister strongly condemned the killing and said the Government would ensure robust legislation and proper Garda resources.
There is a clear commitment in the programme for Government committing the Government to tackling criminal gangs. It is with great horror that people watch on a regular basis murder and mayhem on our streets, in particular in Dublin. In the past ten days alone there have been two more very callous murders - one last night - which we condemn unreservedly. It is an appalling loss of life that does not seem like ending anytime soon.
I was somewhat disturbed earlier this month when I read reports that funding and resources to the Garda had been reduced and cut, in particular to the armed support unit in terms of the frequency of operational shifts. Could the Taoiseach reaffirm that there have been no such cutbacks to resources to those units and to An Garda Síochána which are combatting the armed criminal gangs in the city?
Comment on this
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific and brutal murder of a citizen of the city on the streets last night. There is no place for such activity in a civilised country.
The Garda has faced down such criminal threats in the past and will do so now and well into the future. In that regard, our role as public representatives, and my role as Minister for Justice and Equality is to ensure in the first instance that the legislation and our legislative response is robust and, second, that there are appropriate levels of resources for the Garda Síochána.
In that regard I will respond directly to the point the Leader of the Opposition made. The armed support unit is very active. Since 16 December it is operating in this city around the clock, on a 24-7 basis.
Overtime for An Garda Síochána is in excess of €100 million for this year. I am in contact with the Garda Commissioner regularly and my understanding is that while the matter of resources is kept under review as far as gangland activity is concerned, especially in the inner city area of Dublin, it is not an issue. We will of course continue to keep the matter under review.
As regards last night's killing, I wish to assure the House that an active criminal investigation is under way and no stone will be left unturned by An Garda Síochána to bring those responsible to justice.