David Norris (Independent)

I support my colleagues, particularly Senator Brian Hayes, in expressing concern about the Belvedere sleep-out, which I have witnessed on many occasions at this time of year. I was not aware that it was threatened in this way, but I am not at all surprised that it appears the safety of those involved cannot be guaranteed. I have raised such issues many times in the past. Why should anybody show surprise at this when we have recently seen Spar shops in that area of the inner city licensed to sell beer to the public, the Ambassador cinema become an enormous pub for youths and reports that St. Mary's Church is to accommodate 2,000 young people? I warned about this for a long time, but nothing seems to have been done.