Fr Peter McVerry, a campaigner for social justice, has said gardaí cannot solve most gang related murders on their own.
Fr McVerry was commenting on figures released yesterday that recorded a 50% increase in the number of murders in the past three months compared to the same period last year.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, he said that in the absence of information from the community, gardaí depended on scientific evidence to bring criminals to justice.
He also gave an insight into what he believed was the attitude of people involved in criminal gangs.
He said the average life expectancy now of a drug dealer is about 29 years of age.
He added: 'I think there are people in the gangs who would like to get out but they're afraid to get out and they know if they do get out they'll be looking over their shoulder for the rest of their lives.'
There are also young people who owe money to drug dealers, he said.
'Every week I'm bringing someone down to the boat and putting them on the boat to London because they're scared to death of the drug dealer they owe money to.
'And I think some of those would take the opportunity of a whole new relocation a whole new if they gave evidence against the drug dealers', he said.
Last night, President Mary McAleese said the only way to stop criminals from flourishing is to refuse to buy the illegal goods on offer.
She made her remarks after delivering the inaugural Mella Carroll address at DCU last night.
In her speech, Mrs McAleese said the current entrepreneurial success of legitimate business in Ireland was being mirrored by the growing success of criminals who make no contribution to society beyond the devastation they wreak as selfish predators.
She said the criminals have no code of values, no respect for life and no sense of patriotism.
Afterwards, the President said the public have a role to play in stopping them.
