Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for working with the Garda to commence Operation Tombola one month earlier this year, which I welcome.

This move will have a positive impact in places like Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown in my constituency. We all love to watch a fireworks display but it should only be enjoyed under safe supervision and managed by professionals, not in gardens or greens with children just feet away from highly flammable products. It is not news that hospital admissions increase year after year at Hallowe'en. Both children and adults present with injuries, some minor but the vast majority presenting with severe burns. The consequences of using fireworks and starting bonfires in unsupervised open public spaces are beyond dangerous, irresponsible and hazardous. Now is not the time to be flooding emergency departments with patients with fireworks injuries. It is not a time to add to the problem. It is time to recognise and respect the people on the front line and to protect capacity in our health service.

A single spark from a bonfire on an item of clothing can set it alight in a matter of seconds, potentially causing lifelong and life-changing injuries. In many cases, bangers and fireworks have blown up in people's faces. Just this evening, there were reports of a teenager in Palmerstown who suffered injuries to his fingers when a firework exploded in his hands. Fireworks are being set off in many areas weeks and sometimes even months before Hallowe'en, terrorising neighbourhoods. These mindless actions petrify vulnerable people, especially older people living alone and people with special needs. They also cause torment to animals. They may leave commuters to walk home alone in fear when their bus is diverted because it is in the firing line of bangers or fireworks.

I welcome Operation Tombola's objectives to increase public awareness of the dangers associated with fireworks and bonfires. I also welcome the actions the Minister has taken to protect our communities.

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