Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

During the last Seanad and since, I have raised the question of poaching in our rivers, canals and lakes. This is particularly pertinent in the midlands, certainly in County Westmeath, and at least one local newspaper has headlined it on a couple of occasions. A situation exists whereby two people, one each side of a canal or river, use a net to take out all the fish — not even fingerlings are put back. The situation has been aggravated recently. Galmoylestown Lake outside Mullingar was one of the few lakes in Ireland where carp would breed but the stocks there have been completely depleted. I ask the Minister to come to the House to outline his proposals to have this practice stopped as it has been ongoing for some time. This is the sixth or seventh time I have raised the matter in the House and I would like something done about it.

Yesterday I raised the matter of a 13 year old girl who was raped by a 16 year old, which was reported in a national evening newspaper. Money had been paid by the 16 year old's family to the family of the girl. If I am to believe what I read, it would appear that in so far as the girl's family is concerned, this is the end of the matter. Rape is a serious crime in this country. Anybody who comes to our country, whether as an asylum seeker, to work or to visit, is welcome but they will have to obey the rules, regulations and laws. I will continue to raise this matter until I receive a suitable reply.

I want action taken with regard to the rape of that 13 year old girl. Every Member of the House, irrespective of political belief or otherwise, would have to agree it is a dastardly crime that cannot go unpunished. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to the House to debate the matter. I realise it is a matter of implementing the law but the Garda Síochána seems to have some problem. As far as I am concerned, if a 13 year old girl or a 130 year old woman has been raped, it is a criminal act and something should be done about it.