The Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said those behind two murders in Laois and Dublin yesterday have "absolutely no respect for human life".
Mr Shatter has branded the killings "barbaric" and the perpetrators "evil".
In a statement, the minister said Gardaí are absolutely determined to do everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.
He said: "I know from discussions with the Garda Commissioner that the Gardaí will continue to target the activities of those involved in gangland crime, as they have been doing in operations in recent weeks. "
Minister Shatter said he and the Government will continue to resolutely support the Gardaí in every way they can in counteracting what he calls this "evil menace in our society".
