Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Quinn's comments about the "egging" of people. I was struck by what he said about this behaviour. It highlighted that the activity known as "egging" has become a sinister and insidious form of bullying of people in their homes and neighbourhoods. It may be difficult to address it, but the Senator said that if a group of young people come into a shop to buy a large number of eggs, the retailer might use some common sense, particularly as we approach Hallowe'en. A number of people have approached me recently following their houses having been egged and told me of the damage caused by it and of their children having been egged on their way home. This is sinister, bullying and intimidating behaviour.

I wish to raise the issue of legislation on mental capacity. Our existing legislation is flawed and deficient. It has resulted in a number of citizens with intellectual disability and mental health challenges having their basic human rights infringed upon. It will increasingly become an issue for us, particularly for people with age related disorders as they become older. It has become an issue in the context of the new Fair Deal scheme. We were promised the introduction of new legislation on mental capacity and I understand it is currently being drafted. Will the Leader indicate if it will be introduced in this session? I ask him to stress to the Minister the urgency of the situation.