Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

That is what the motion proposes. However, the only feasible approach is to work together to find a solution to this.

We must take our focus away from the implements themselves because practically anything can be turned into an offensive weapon. Deputy Rabbitte went through a list of crimes perpetrated against people in his constituency and elsewhere. Each of us could do the same and could, moreover, identify various items used to inflict puncture wounds, whether a broken bottle or glass, a screwdriver or another domestic implement. Almost anything can be used in an offensive way. I am sure most Members agree that we must focus on the mindset that utilises the weapon rather than trying to look at ways of taking the weapon out of the equation. Ultimately, one will never be able to remove the types of weapons used on a daily basis to cause death and mayhem in such a careless and callous way. Instead, we must seek to understand what creates the intent to take life in this manner.

We must examine why there has been such a change in our culture. To some extent, we are witnessing the ills of the Celtic tiger, which include a growth in individualism, greater self-promotion, disregard for authority and increased disposable incomes allowing for greater access to drugs and alcohol. Any analysis of this problem will show that the combination of drugs and alcohol is creating far more aggressive behaviour, which leads to this lack of respect for basic dignity or even the right to life. There were always fights and fracas in school yards. Any contest between two local villages, regardless of the sport in question, always offered an opportunity for young men to vent their anger and frustration. This manifested itself in rows and battles and there was a degree of regard for the fellow who could take his beating and move on, biding his time until the next opportunity.

Now, however, there seems to be a desire to return home to get a knife and attack the other person before he has made his way home. This is where there has been a significant change in culture. Despite the undeniable implication of drugs and alcohol in such crimes, some of the violence is taking place in daylight when no alcohol or drugs have been taken. We must examine why the culture has changed and how we will find a way around it. That will necessitate the involvement of the education system. The amendment sets out a range of issues that are being dealt with by the Government. These are welcome but they do not provide the complete answer.

We must consider some of the television programmes and computer games that are contributing to such violent outbursts, often times in weak men and children, people who would not heretofore have had an opportunity to stand their ground in a battle. They are introduced at an early stage to a culture where offensive weapons are suggested as the way to settle old scores.

See this speech in context