THE OIREACHTAS JUSTICE Committee is seeking written submissions from the public about the impact of gangland crime on communities across Ireland.

The submissions will help inform a report on gangland crime being compiled by TD Finian McGrath on the committee’s behalf.

McGrath said he would welcome submissions from groups and from individuals to help form his report’s recommendations on gangland crime:

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.

Committee chair David Stanton TD said the Oireachtas group is interested in hearing what additional steps could be taken to protect citizens and communities affected by gangland crime.

“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 and is an issue of concern, not just for those communities, but for society as a whole,” Stanton said.

Groups and individuals are invited to make concise email submissions by 3pm Friday 19 September to ganglandcrime@oireachtas.ie. The committee advises that submissions should not contain any unnecessary material unrelated to the issue of gangland crime and its impact on the community.

Anyone submitting material to the committee should be aware that the information they provide could be published as part of McGrath’s report or separately by the committee. They should also note that the committee may invite contributors to public hearings, if they consider it necessary.

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