Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I have listened to many Senators raise the culture of knives and under age drinking among teenagers. The role of the parents has not been touched on in the debate. We would not be talking about these issues if the parents took control of and responsibility for their offspring. That is where we are lacking. If we are to have a debate on the way of life for young people, part of the discussion should focus on penalties for parents who do not behave responsibly and look after their children between 12 and 15 years of age. That is the adolescent stage when these things happen if there is no supervision.