Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

There are communities, particularly in urban areas, who are devastated by anti-social behaviour. Young married couple wishing to rear their children in a safe, dignified environment cannot do so because of unabated thuggery. Defenceless old people, who should have our protection and deserve our voice, are terrorised in their homes. In their twilight years they are entitled to some contentment. We have debated this issue on several occasions and at the end of each debate we all felt helpless because we knew we needed radical approaches.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has put forward a radical proposal for a Garda reserve force but is met by a turf war among vested interests and the victims are forgotten again. I accept that the Garda voice must be heard but not on the airwaves. It should be heard around the table in a dignified and focused manner because otherwise it does not help the Garda or anybody else. We should give the Minister support or we will continue to debate the issue with a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. I am disappointed with the progress of the debate because the victim should be the priority.