Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support other Senators in asking the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to come to the House to debate the lack of safety for young men on our streets throughout the country. I say this in the light of the terrible tragedy of last Saturday. The unprovoked attack took place at 6 p.m. in a very settled, quiet community when people were out shopping. The tragedy ended with the fatality of one of the young men.

It is not a single attack. Random attacks occur daily. I know of one that took place on College Green two weeks ago at 8 p.m. The sad thing is that they are being carried out by young teenagers. It is not young teenage boys; they are being joined by young teenage girls also. They are carrying out savage attacks. Communities are held to ransom because they are afraid to come out even in the middle of the day.

Earlier today when I was driving to the House, I heard Joe Duffy remark that people in Leinster House do not seem to care about what is going on. In addition, he said that no one in Leinster House is doing anything about it. However, I am glad to hear so many speakers in the House raising this issue as a matter of importance. I ask the Leader to take that on board and try to arrange for the Minister to attend the House to debate this terrible situation.