Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, support this motion. I do not want to single out or demonise young people. "Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí," is the old adage. We should do this but I am aware there are major problems with antisocial behaviour. Other Deputies have referred to it. The only answer is community policing. Ní neart go cur le chéile. Community policing, Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch are the answer. People have the confidence to talk to gardaí who stand in their kitchens when they are rung. No police force in the world can police without the support of the public.

I salute Superintendent Denis Whelan, Sergeant Ray Moloney, Garda Jenny Gough and others in Cahir Garda station. I salute those in Clonmel, under Superintendent William Leahy. I salute Sergeant Kieran O'Regan, Garda Claire Murphy and others all over County Tipperary. They are in community policing sections and they do outstanding work. They are on call nearly all the time. Many people, including politicians, can contact them by mobile phone. We try to work with the communities and bring them along. Those I have mentioned do tremendous work.

Covid-19 has taught us one thing, that is, that in the middle of all the drama, grief and horror, community police have come into their own. They may be found in people's kitchens. They bring in firing for them and hang out clothes for people. They have been bringing people messages from the shops. They have proven themselves. That is what real policing is all about. It is about earning the trust and confidence of the people, young and old.

Not only are fireworks going off but they are doing damage to guide dogs and all other dogs, as sheep farmers will confirm. Sheepdogs are affected. Everyone is frightened of fireworks. Reference was made to rockets and to the sale of many types of illegal products. I wonder where they are coming from and what kind of illicit and illegal trade is taking place. Who is importing the products? They are plentiful and easily available. The county councils do their business well with the environmental officers to try to have preventive measures in place for Hallowe'en and organised events. This is happening in Thurles, where great work has been done. I salute a former councillor there whose name eludes me. Great work is done in the communities.

There are also issues with shooting ranges, the lamping of animals and guns being fired. The guns might be legally held, and some might be illegal. There are shooting ranges not abiding by the laws and they are trading and behaving recklessly and terrorising communities. The Commissioner also needs to examine the legislation on this.

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