Judges should be able to impose greater minimum sentences in murder cases to act as more of a deterrent, Fine Gael said today.
Speaking in response to the latest crime figures from the CSO, Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan said more people were killed in Ireland last year as a result of murders and manslaughters than at any time since the Civil War.
Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan
Mr Flanagan said the "cheapening of human life" evident in the crime figures demands an urgent response from Justice Minister Brian Lenihan.
"As things stand, some murderers are being released after ten years or less, and many criminals do not take life sentences seriously.
"The courts must have a greater deterrent, including longer minimum sentences of up to 25 years for murder cases."
Labour justice spokesman Pat Rabbitte said: "We need new measures to target the gangs and put the crime bosses out of business and behind bars, while at local level we need to re-establish links between the gardaí and local communities".
"Despite the proven success of community policing, just 565 gardaí, about 4 per cent of the force, are allocated to this area," he added.
Sinn Féin called on the Minister to double the resources invested in the drugs squad.
The party's justice spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh said: "Tackling drugs, and all the associated crime that comes with drugs, must be made top priority for the gardaí."