THE Government is preparing a series of "concrete measures" to combat crime following the murder on Wednesday of the journalist Veronica Guerin.
Also last night, a reward of (£100,000 was offered by lndependent Newspapers, Ms Guerin's employers, for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of those responsible" for her murder.
More than 100 gardai - including members of every detective unit in Dublin - are investigating the murder, which has been characterised as a "professional job".
Ms Guerin died shortly before 1 p.m. on Wednesday when motor-cycle drew up beside her car at traffic lights on the Naas dual carriageway and the pillion passenger dismounted and fired five shots into her upper body.
The gunmen are believed to have pursued Ms Guerin towards Dublin at speeds of up to 100 m.p.h. after her appearance earlier at Naas District Court on a traffic charge. The pillion passenger shot her while standing beside her red Opel Calibra.
Detectives do not anticipate any early arrests. At least one of the major criminals who might have ordered the murder of Ms Guerin is believed to be out of the jurisdiction on holiday.
Sources close to the investigation said that there were no firm leads on who had ordered the killing and no evidence to suggest that one criminal carried out the murder as a "favour" for another criminal.
The detectives believe that one of four or five major Dublin criminals probably ordered the murder.
As floral tributes to the late Ms Guerin were placed outside Leinster House yesterday, the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, told the bail that deputies would return from the summer recess on July 25th for a one-day debate on organised crime.
A special task force, set up earlier this month and consisting of inter-departmental representatives, the Garda and the Revenue Commissioners, is to report by July 18th on proposals for changes in legislation and administration procedures to deal with organised crime and drug-trafficking.
Pressed by Opposition politicians to move more speedily, the Taoiseach told the House that he would bring forward the July 18th deadline if it was reasonable to do so.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, cut short her visit to the US to return to Dublin yesterday morning to consider the implications of Ms Guerin's killing.
However, evidence of unease over the Government's reaction emerged from the Lab our Party yesterday. Following a meeting of the party's TDs and senators, a statement on behalf of the Parliamentary Lab our Party declared: "We face a national crime emergency now."
It called on the Government to bring forward its agreed proposals on the reform of bail laws - which are not yet ready. It also demanded "new and radical structures for mounting an all-out assault on organised crime"; dedicated resources for that purpose; and a full review of existing facilities -including forensic and court services - where "unacceptable delays occur.
The remains of Veronica Guerin will be moved from Stafford's Funeral Home, Maypark, Malahide Road, to arrive at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Dublin Airport, at 6.30 p.m. today. The funeral takes place in Dardistown Cemetery tomorrow after 10 a.m. Requiem Mass.