John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader for a debate on crime in society. Such a debate should outline in particular how the Garda is dealing with violent crime. I am conscious that for many years we have been dealing with criminals who use arms and other methods that heretofore were not available. Notwithstanding that, the proposal to use tasers should be very carefully monitored. I suggest that in many cases the use of pepper spray would be a more appropriate response to a violent situation, particularly when the person concerned may have taken drink or drugs and his or her heart rate is significantly increased. The use of a taser on such a person would cause a heart attack. I ask for a debate on this issue. We should bring it to the attention of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that the use of pepper spray is what is required.

I also support Senator Terry Leyden's point that there was a total misrepresentation by the media and the Opposition of a very simple-----