Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I welcome the Minister and congratulate him on the enthusiasm and energy with which he is tackling his job and his commendable honesty in showing us the warts in this area. I was taken by the wise contributions of Senators Dooley and Quinn and endorse much of what they say. Like other Members, I will not have time to say all the things I want to but, with a certain degree of authorial pride, point to my more extended thoughts on the matter contained in the Patten report where the Minister might read them.

I welcome the establishment of a body to collate statistics. Crime statistics are notoriously difficult. Some of the increases may come from under-recording in the past or more willingness to report crimes. A 60% increase in assault is a frightening statistic.

I am glad that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform focused on the causes of crime. Crime is associated very largely with poverty and disadvantage. Anything the State can do to move people out of this area might help, but it may just move them into white collar crime.

So much crime is drug-related and drink-related that I am glad the Minister is focusing on these factors, particularly among young people. I have no problem with an identity card system for young people. It has become necessary. I congratulate the Minister and the Criminal Assets Bureau on their work.

The Patten report, shorn of the specific Northern Ireland issues such as symbols, is really about police management and mobilising the resources of the community to police itself. This comes back to the point raised by Senator Quinn. The police cannot do it on their own. What is needed is a multi-agency approach to these matters. One might be better able to deal with difficulties by providing for more time in the youth club than an extra policeman. It might be easier to protect old ladies and make them feel secure through better street lighting. The agencies have to work together. I see the police as a broker in this.