John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I join my colleague, Senator Brian Hayes, in asking the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to attend the House to discuss the recently published crime figures, as well as the appalling events that occurred last weekend. Senator Finucane spoke about Mr. Barry Duggan, the unfortunate gentleman from Sligo who was brutally attacked on the streets of Dublin at the weekend. Such attacks occur far too regularly in many provincial towns also. Senator Finucane is right to say we have heard enough hyperbole from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform – it is now time for action.