The Justice Minister says the high number of violent deaths so far this year is "very disturbing."

Eight people have been killed in violent circumstances since the New Year - and Alan Shatter says he has full confidence in Gardaí's ability to investigate them.

The latest victim, 42-year-old Michael Devoy of Balbutcher Drive in Ballymun, was shot in the head in Tallaght on Saturday night.

A post mortem is being carried out on his remains today.  Mr Devoy was had just been released from prison and was wearing a bullet proof vest at the time of his death.

Its believed he was the victim of a gangland hit.

Alan Shatter says he hopes the trend of violent deaths doesn't continue throughout 2014.