Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I am sure all Members were shocked to hear this morning of the stabbing of a man in his forties in Ballyfermot last night. He was defending his property, trying to stop thugs from interfering with his car, and was stabbed to death as a result of his actions. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should make a statement on this matter, although the issue will probably come before the courts. Once again we see knife-related crime in this city, perpetrated by a small, persistent group of young people who feel they have a right not only to interfere with property but to kill people who stand in their way. It is appalling. I am sure all Members want to pay their respects to the gentleman who died this morning in St. James's Hospital for doing nothing more than defending his property. It is an indictment of this society that people can pull knives on each other as quickly as they would look at each other. This House should have statements on this matter at the earliest possible time so that we may express our revulsion at what is taking place in this city and throughout the country.

Earlier this week, the Leader kindly arranged to publish the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill amendments and circulated them to Members. I know it is the Government's intention to take Committee Stage of the Bill next week. My spokesman has asked me to establish whether it is possible that the deadline for submitting amendments to the Bill could be extended to Monday of next week rather than tomorrow.