Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls for a debate on youth hooliganism, particularly in light of the recent episode where a young person was savagely attacked and died as a consequence. Apart for this being a policing issue, it also raises issues relating to education, self-discipline and parental responsibility. Given the extent of the problem, we do not have the mix right. A debate on those issues could be constructive in finding a resolution or improving the situation.

I support Senator Ó Murchú's comments on the Taoiseach and the tribunals. When will the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005, which was introduced in the Lower House a few months ago but has not advanced, be introduced in this House? The Bill provides for commissions of investigation as a mechanism to inquire into issues of public importance rather than tribunals of inquiry. What is happening at the tribunals may be fodder for the media and so on but it revolves around pantomime and farce.