An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-27
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Chris Andrews (SF), Labour Panel

I support Senator Stephenson's Bill. It is beyond disappointing the way the Government looks at the other way in relation to the transportation of munitions through Irish airspace. We have to change that policy.
I express my condolences to the family of Alex Coughlan, a young man from Blanchardstown who had his life brutally taken. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Alex will be remembered as a caring and selfless man whose kindness touched so many people. I commend An Garda Síochána on arresting two suspects so quickly, and I hope Alex and his loved ones receive the justice they deserve. It is deeply worrying that across this city, crime and violence are all too common. Intimidation by organised crime or unorganised but dangerous groups of young people is the reality in many of Dublin's communities.
The people who killed Alex Coughlan must be brought to justice and must face the consequences of their absolutely brutal assault. It seems it was carried out by two 16-year-olds who stole a wallet while recording the assault. Killers like them must be held to account. Right across the city, whether in Ringsend, Blanchardstown, Pearse Street or elsewhere, people feel unsafe. Garda numbers in the south inner-city have, in effect, been stagnant for the past decade, despite rapid population growth. That is reflected on the streets. People in communities around City Quay are constantly worried about their safety. Life in that part of the city has become very challenging. The Garda does not have the resources it needs. It is really important to get more gardaí on the streets to make them safer. I ask that the Minister come to the Chamber to set out a plan for making the streets safer.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-27/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:00+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-27