No instant solutions were offered to a rise in gangland killings, a growing drugs culture and foreign-based prostitution by the new Garda Commissioner, Mr Noel Conroy, yesterday.
Giving evidence before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, he said that while progress was being made in various Garda investigations, it was sometimes difficult to convert evidence into successful convictions.
The Finglas area of Dublin has had six gangland murders in as many months. Limerick is also a black spot. Of the 42 homicides in the Republic this year, 19 have involved the use of firearms, compared to 10 last year. The figures are shocking.
The Garda Commissioner reported that paramilitary weapons are finding their way to criminals. Irish gangs are now firmly linked to foreign criminals and to Irish drug suppliers operating from Spain and the Netherlands. He acknowledged a shortage of Garda resources in specific cases where 24-hour surveillance of suspects involved in gangland killings was required. He spoke of the need for changes in DNA testing procedures to deal with these murders and he hinted at the need for legislation that would require suspects to account for their movements.
In present circumstances, where criminal gangs are terrorising entire neighbourhoods and murdering their drug-dealing opponents, the Government must respond by providing whatever manpower the Garda require, as well as through legislative change. Ireland has become a prosperous country. And crime, the drugs trade and prostitution offer huge profits. In responding to this reality, our abhorrence of such offences must be underscored. Past experience has demonstrated that tacit tolerance of certain crimes - whether perceived to be confined to specific areas or characterised as disputes among criminals - will ultimately pollute wider society. We would repeat this mistake at our peril.
Commissioner Conroy was appointed three months ago, at a time when the work of the Barr and Morris tribunals was shaking public confidence in the Garda Síochána. Many of the problems that emerged were years in gestation. But they require a firm and determined response.
There have been some advances. Public order offences, involving the abuse of alcohol, are on the decrease. And as for Monday's revelation that a murder conviction had to be quashed because of the behaviour of two gardaí towards jury members, Commissioner Conroy said the men had been fined substantially.
The new Commissioner has the reputation of being first and foremost a policeman, who concentrates on getting the job done, rather than concerning himself with matters of image and public relations. That is all to the good. Firm action against criminals, and fair discipline within the force through the establishment of a new independent Garda Inspectorate, is now required.