Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

The House should be concerned about the increasing levels of vicious assaults and violence on our streets. I have always stated that such behaviour is caused by a cocktail of alcohol and illegal drugs. This country — I will not mention the Government — is losing the battle against the importation of such illegal substances. During the debate we need to have on this issue, we should consider whether Ireland really is a multicultural society. It seems, unfortunately, from press releases and everything else I have heard that many of those who are being targeted — those who are victims of such vicious assaults — tend to be non-nationals or guests in our country. I genuinely believe that we need a debate in the House to examine whether Ireland is a multicultural society.