Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I accept the other side of the case, which is that if people, particularly youngsters, can indiscriminately buy fireworks, this would be another dimension to vandalism and disorder. I rise to speak because we should not kid ourselves that the situation is satisfactory because the law, certainly around 31 October, is unenforced and unenforceable. The Minister needs to re-examine this issue.

Fireworks create a great deal of enjoyment. While I will plead the First Amendment, a long time ago my children had fireworks at their birthdays. When properly supervised by adults there need be no unnecessary risk to life and limb. I would not entirely believe public opinion surveys. If opinion is against fireworks why are there so many on 31 October? We do not have a satisfactory state of affairs.

While I do not argue that a free-for-all would be satisfactory, it should be examined to see if one could find a better position that encompasses legitimate rights to public enjoyment. A good firework display, even for 15 or 20 minutes, is magnificent. We lean to the puritanical side. I do not blame the Minister. According to my research the ban on fireworks was brought in by his predecessor as Minister for Justice, Mr. Charles Haughey.