Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

At midnight last Saturday as I was down on the farm I heard what might be described as snap, crackle and pop outside. I opened the front door and saw a firework display lighting up the sky approximately two or three miles away. It may have been related to a wedding reception, and was no doubt in a place that has a licence for fireworks. I am ambivalent on this. We have a puritanical attitude in this country to fireworks. They provide magnificent displays. Few countries ban the purchase of fireworks by individuals. If one spends New Year's Day in Vienna bangers will be going off at one's feet in the streets. I have to admit it is dangerous and indiscriminate. At Hallowe'en in Dublin fireworks go off everywhere and I am sure very few are licensed. We are talking about a law that is both unenforced and unenforceable, certainly on Hallowe'en night.