Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Over the past six weeks there has been a problem with fireworks which are now being set off continually. We have all recently heard the concerns of the visually impaired, especially regarding guide dogs. In many cases, they have failed to function effectively as a result of having been terrified by such fireworks. The problem is now in every urban community, and I would be surprised if all Senators had not been receiving complaints about it. The night is punctuated by loud noises. Young children cannot go to sleep and older people are terrified — in many cases scared out of their wits — because fireworks have been dropped through their letterboxes. What is happening on this issue? Fireworks are illegal in this country. They are illegal in the North of Ireland, where one has to get a licence. The Minister must say that if they are illegal, they are illegal, and must take action accordingly. If we are to adopt a responsible attitude, there are certain fireworks that are permissible. Then one could issue licences but one should at least do something about it. It is now happening each year and it will continue in future. We must grapple with this issue.