Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank her for checking all of us on that because it is important to be reminded that is not just her issue, but an issue for all of us. The statistics and numbers speak for themselves. I again extend our sympathies to the family of Patrick, the young boy who lost his life at 12 years of age. I can only imagine how traumatic it is for his family to be dealing with that. That age is far too young for someone to lose his life, and so many others as well. We will request a debate with the Minister but, again it will probably be in the new term. I look forward to many Members participating in that debate.

Senator Ahearn welcomed the payments coming through this week for the cost of living measures, such as the carer’s support grant, the qualified child increase and the living alone allowance. These are very important payments at a crucial time of year. That will be a big help to many families across the board.

Senator Keogan took a particular view on immigration. Again, that will come into the debate tomorrow, when there will be an opportunity. I think the Senator is right that this is a topic that is being discussed among ordinary, middle ground people, and we are going to have to allow politicians to discuss it openly and honestly. We should not be shying away from those issues. It is putting pressure on the country but, overall, as a society, I think people want to do the right thing and they want to help. However, that does not mean we cannot have conversations about what people are talking about on the streets. That is very important.

Senator Paul Daly asked for particular assistance with getting information. I too thought it was strange that that information was broadcast at that particular time. There are only a handful of hospitals that person could have been in and it could have prompted rioters to go in that direction. Perhaps it just was not considered at the time, in the heat of what was happening. However, the Senator is right to point out that it was probably too detailed at that particular time to give out such information because it would not be difficult to find out where that person was. It is an important point to raise on the floor of the House.