Crisis summit to discuss ways to tackle crime gangs

The Taoiseach, the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner are due to hold crisis talks today to discuss ways to tackle organised crime.

The meeting comes amid an upsurge in gangland violence this year and follows the death of an innocent plumber during a gun attack on one of Dublin's leading drug dealers last week.

The issues up for discussion at today's meeting include garda resources, a tightening of the bail laws and ways to speed up the court system for serious crimes.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has already responded to last week's violence by criticising judges who let people out on bail after they have been charged with gun and drug offences.

He has insisted that the Gardaí have all the resources they need to tackle organised crime.