The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, has said the current high level of gangland crime cannot continue.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony in Templemore, Co Tipperary, Commissioner Murphy said evidence was being gathered to bring those responsible before the courts.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern, who was also in Templemore, said he did not accept that morale among gardaí was at an all-time low.
He also said gardai remained one of the best-paid police forces.
