Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I apologise for rushing, I have to catch an aeroplane. I was very anxious to come to the House this afternoon to hear the Minister speak on this fine paper on measures to combat crime. I could speak at length on many of the issues he has highlighted but will briefly focus on under age drinking, the simple reason being that I wish to take off my political hat and put on my educational and career guidance hat.

I talk at length with teachers and colleagues in schools who tell me they cannot control their students. Irrespective of the kind of civic education schools provide, young people pull down the shutters the moment they walk out the gate at 4 p.m. They are then able to get their pack of beer and drink it in public spaces such as parks. As I walk a great deal, I decided to see this for myself. I see young schoolchildren aged 13 years and upwards sitting on seats in parks with cans of beer at 4.30 p.m. and 5 p.m. While I am aware the Minister is in the process of introducing a public order Bill, measures must be taken to tackle this problem. We have to link with local authorities which have a role to play in applying rules and regulations prohibiting drinking in public spaces. For some reason they do not appear to be able to get on top of the problem.

Last year an awful crime was committed in the area I represent and know well, the Orlagh area of Knocklyon-Rathfarnham. Last week I attended an important public meeting on crime in Knocklyon. The local Garda representative – the community garda – was also in attendance. During the meeting, representatives of the residents' associations from these nice areas said that they dread the summer evenings when fifth year students have time on their hands from 4 p.m. onwards. They do not go to the local sports clubs and they are not involved in leisure activities. Their parents all work and they are not supervised as a result. How can we tackle that problem?