merrion street

Commenting on Mr. Steve Collins' indication of his intention to resettle himself and his family abroad, Minister Shatter said:

'Since my appointment as Minister, I have been determined that the State should do everything it could to assist Mr Steve Collins and his family.

Mr.Collins and his family stood by the institutions of this State and paid a dreadful price for the courage which they showed. It is vital that the State is seen to stand by them.

Despite the great progress which the Gardaí have made in tackling the gangs in Limerick - to which I pay tribute - it remained necessary for Mr. Collins and members of his family to have intensive Garda protection.

For some considerable time, we have been in contact with Mr Collins as to how the State could best assist him and his family. These discussions culminated in Mr. Collins deciding that the best hope for himself and his family to lead a better life is to move abroad. While, for security reasons, I cannot go into any details, I can say that the State has offered and is giving him every assistance possible in giving effect to that decision.

Of course, I regret that Mr. Collins had to take this decision but I fully understand it and I am sure all right thinking people will wish him and his family well in their move.

The greatest tribute which can be paid to their courage is for the Gardaí to continue to bring to justice those involved in gangland activities in Limerick and elsewhere and I know they are determined to do just that. They have my full support and that of the Government in doing so.'