A NORTHSIDE TD, who is compiling a report on the effects of gangland crime in local communities, is urging people to make contact with him.
Dublin Bay North TD Finian McGrath (Ind) has been asked to lead a Justice Committee on Gangland Crime.
As a result of gang warfare, the Northside has witnessed a spate of murders across its communities in recent years, including a large number in Deputy McGrath’s constituency.
In recent weeks, the Independent TD, who is currently drawing up the report, has been seeking submissions from members of the public.
Deputy McGrath said that of the submissions made so far, the issues raised include:
?¢ Intimidation of neighbours
?¢ People being forced out of their homes,
?¢ People being forced out of the country,
?¢ Huge fear of reporting to the gardai,
?¢ Easy access to guns, and
?¢ Low level addicts forced to do crimes or hide weapons.
“I am also meeting individual victims (of gangland crime) privately to hear their stories and relate them to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice,
? Deputy McGrath told Northside People.
“The realities of gangland crime are felt in many housing estates and neighbourhoods throughout Ireland where people live in fear from savage and brutal criminals who destroy the very fabric of our communities with intimidation, violence, drug-trafficking and anti-social behaviour.
“On behalf of the Justice Committee, I am producing a report on the issue and would welcome submissions groups and individuals which will inform the report.
“First of all we are inviting written submissions and then I intend to invite the Garda Commissioner and other senior Drug Squad gardaÃ, victims’ groups, Drugs Task Force organisations and other relevant people to public hearings.
?
Deputy McGrath said the committee intends to hear from
“all voices
? and then come up with common sense recommendations.
“The killings on our streets has to end and we cannot wait around until somebody else loses their life,
? he added.
Chairman of the newly established committee, David Stanton TD (FG), said the increase in gangland or organised crime, along with the rise in the level of violence involved in those crimes, has a huge impact on many communities throughout the country.
“It is an issue of concern, not just for those communities but for society as a whole,
? stated Deputy Stanton.
“The Justice Committee is interested to hear what can be done, in addition to present efforts, to protect and aid citizens and local communities affected by gangland crime.
?
Deputy Stanton added:
“I am pleased that Deputy McGrath has agreed to tackle this issue and the other members (of the committee) look forward to his report.
?
As well as Deputy McGrath, the committee also includes Dublin Bay North TD Sean Kenny (Lab) and Dublin North TD Alan Farrell (FG).
Submissions can be sent via email to ganglandcrime@oireachtas.ie up until Friday, September 19.
The committee said it will consider any suitable written submissions received and may decide to invite a number of contributors to public hearings should it be considered necessary.
It added that those making submissions should be aware that any made to a committee may be published either as part of a committee report, or separately, if the committee decides to do so.