Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

A related issue is the horrific crimes of recent weeks involving young gangs who roam our cities and countryside. While we must have a detailed debate on the factors related to such crimes, there is the fundamental question of why this is happening among the 14 to 16 age group. It is not because there are not enough gardaí, although that is one aspect. We need to increase the number of gardaí on the streets, but there is a more fundamental issue here which strikes at our homes and schools. That aspect must be incorporated in such a debate. This is a major societal issue, when one considers the horrific crimes perpetrated against women in recent days and other crimes that have been highlighted in the newspapers in recent weeks. It is a societal issue, the addressing of which involves every Department and parents. People in Ireland and elsewhere have to deal with this issue. It is too serious a matter to address only one aspect of it.