Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

Many people look forward to Hallowe'en at this time of year. However, many older people shiver in their shoes. I do not wish to be a kill-joy but many incidences regarding Hallowe'en practices have been described in this House. These practices do not sit well with our concern for the environment and are not conducive to a recognition that many, if not all people do not appreciate a firework being thrown in their door. Every year at this time my local newspaper carries reports of serious injuries caused by fireworks.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House because of the serious environmental issues at stake. Bonfires should only be allowed under licence and should be properly supervised and organised.

I am aware that a manager of a local authority may seek legal advice on any given issue and can do so without incurring any cost to his or her self. However, such a facility is not available to the elected member and this imbalance should be corrected because it is not conducive to democracy.