Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Flanagan for introducing this important motion. It is appropriate that we are discussing this matter, particularly when one considers what happened at the weekend. Crimes such as shootings and killings are regular occurrences. When I was a teenager, the stabbing or shooting of a person was major news on every radio station and in every newspaper. That is no longer the case. In some instances, such incidents are a daily occurrence. In others, they happen on a weekly basis. I accept that the Minister inherited his portolio. However, I ask that he take action in respect of the number of killings taking place and the anti-social behaviour in which people are engaging.

I have strong views on the sale of alcohol, a matter in respect of which the Minister commented on either Newstalk 106 or RTE Radio 1 on Friday evening last. I welcome the fact that he has put in place an expert group to examine the issue of the sale of alcohol. Serious action must be taken in respect of this matter. At one stage, it was only possible to purchase alcohol in a pub or an off-licence. Now, however, one can buy it in petrol stations. I estimate that between 80% and 85% of petrol stations sell some form of alcohol. That is not good. I ask the Minister to take urgent action in respect of this matter.

When certain people buy alcohol, they usually become involved in anti-social behaviour. There are two supermarkets — Lidl and Aldi — in my home town, Enniscorthy, which are competing with each other in respect of the sale of alcohol. These stores charge scandalously low prices in respect of alcohol. One regularly sees people leaving them on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays carrying bags full of alcohol. This leads to a great deal of anti-social behaviour.

During the lifetime of the previous Dáil, I carried out a crime survey among my constituents in County Wexford. Some of the replies I received, particularly from people living in rural areas, were shocking and frightening. Deputy Ring referred to the home protection Bill, which should be brought before the House as soon as possible. Many elderly people who live alone in rural areas are afraid to open their doors at night. No one should be afraid in his or her own home.

I wish to raise a parochial issue. Everyone refers to rural Garda stations. There is one such station, at Glynn, County Wexford, from which a full-time sergeant operates. This man is obliged to use his own car in order to patrol the area. I do not think the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should accept the position in this regard and I ask that he pursue the matter. Visibility is a key factor. When a patrol car is visible in an area, people are discouraged from committing crimes. It is completely unacceptable that the Garda sergeant to whom I refer is obliged to use his own vehicle to patrol the locality.

I have been contacted by 80% of the residents' associations in Enniscorthy in respect of anti-social behaviour involving people badgering others and tormenting the elderly. If we are serious about tackling this matter, we must put a stop to such behaviour. There has been a great deal of discussion with regard to gardaí on the beat. It is rare that one might see an officer on the beat. There is no doubt that gardaí are doing a great job. Some members of my family are officers on the force. I accept that gardaí operate in difficult circumstances and they do not know what they will face when they go out on patrol. The Minister should take a proactive approach to anti-social behaviour and try to help people, especially elderly people.

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