Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

I share the concerns of Senators O'Toole and Ó Murchú about the effect of alcohol and drugs on young people and, to take it further, on teens and pre-teens. The problem runs much deeper than both Senators articulated, although they did so eloquently. We should bring in, not only the Minister for Education and Science but also the Minister of State with responsibility for children and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. What can be seen on street corners, in laneways and in hidden places at night and at weekends is a threat to civilised society. While we are all embracing enthusiastically the successes of the Celtic tiger economy, and the various exciting child care programmes this Government and its predecessor correctly introduced because they are essential to ensuring the sustainability of that economy, we are taking our eye off the ball in one important respect which is a core principle of civilised society.

We are providing child care to ensure sustainability and to enable parents who could not otherwise go out to work realise their dreams. However, in the process we are neglecting to take seriously that core principle of civilised society, namely, the nurturing of our children through parenting. I appeal to the Leader to bring all those Ministers to the House so we can have a holistic debate on what I regard as the terrible inheritance we will pass on to the next generation, and Ireland will be all the poorer once again for it.