Garda chief backs proposed laws

THE Garda Commissioner yesterday gave strong backing to the proposed laws aimed at tackling gangland crime, calling them “necessary” and “appropriate”.

Fachtna Murphy said recent events illustrated the need for powers to fight criminal gangs.

Commissioner Murphy said: “I sat with the Minister for Justice when the Surveillance Bill was published three months ago. I supported that legislation and on the day the minister spoke about another package of measures which clearly are these measures which are now in the new bill.