Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

The problem of street violence involving young people late at night continues to be of great concern to all. It is an issue which needs to be tackled head on. That type of crime threatens the very fabric of society. We can no longer afford to allow teenagers or adults to act like drunken hooligans in our towns, cities and villages. The public order Bill and the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, introduced by this Minister, are two fine Bills which, along with other legislation, will play a major part in improving the situation. However, such legislation must be backed up by the Garda Síochána. We must ensure the Garda devotes the necessary manpower to tackling what might be called "hotspots" in our towns and cities. I believe we can turn the tide. The redeployment of gardaí should be considered. I am sure some gardaí in certain areas of the city may not be doing as much as they might be doing at particular times of the night. They could be redeployed to hotspots within the city.

Most important of all is the decline in the level of crime. Serious assaults have declined by22%, general assaults by 14%, criminal damage has declined by 8%, sexual offences are down by 20% and drugs offences by 9%. This problem cannot be solved solely by additional gardaí. It is a societal problem which must involve parents and the education system.

The design of housing estates needs to be considered in the equation. Parents have the most important role. The probation and welfare service also plays a vital role. At any one time, over 5,000 offenders are under its care in the community. Extra gardaí will be a very welcome addition to the promise and commitment given by the Minister and I thank him.