Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I hate to say "I told you so", but now that the ashes have settled, the reports of what happened at Hallowe'en make very dismal reading in the Westmeath local newspapers. The county council workers were stoned. This is being reflected in reports right around the country. I spoke on this issue down through the years. Other Members have spoken on what has now become an annual event. It is high time the matter was addressed, as not only have valuable trees and tracts of play areas been destroyed but old people and animals have suffered. There must be a meeting of minds between the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and possibly the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. If we are to have bonfires and fireworks, let them be organised and co-ordinated under the auspices possibly of the local authority. The current ad hoc arrangements serve no purpose.