The Government should provide gardai with special helicopters to fight crime, Mr Charles Flanagan (FG, LaoisOffaly) said.

They had been used throughout the world for surveillance purposes since 1948, he added. While the initial capital cost was about £1.5 million, the maintenance and running costs thereafter were more cost effective than the average patrol car.

"It must be recognised that in the late 1990s we are dealing with up market criminals who have huge cash resources financing their criminal activities and it is vital that the Garda be provided with the necessary tools of the trade to deal satisfactorily with the matter."

Mr Flanagan was speaking during the resumed debate on the Fianna Fail private member's Criminal Procedure Bill to reduce pre trial delays.