Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

With regard to the question of community fireworks, I accept that the consensus politically is that there should be a well established and operable system allowing for people to mount a fireworks display. At the moment, the legislation is very much importation oriented. I accept the Deputy's implied point that this is not a very satisfactory state of affairs. However, I am dealing with the Bill as I have it and there will be another occasion to address this. What I have done is put in place a workable law. If someone imports fireworks into Ireland for sale illegally, he or she can be arrested and the produce seized. There will be significant penalties for possession of fireworks with intent to supply.

I reiterate the point I made on Committee Stage that this is a matter which caused me some degree of difficulty. I could say categorically, with regard to fireworks, that they will damage children. However, I could say the same about bicycles — if there were no bicycles, many children would not suffer injuries.

See this speech in context