Ivor Callely (Independent)

I am deeply concerned at the escalation of serious crime and that the value placed on human life has now broken the Richter scale. The shooting dead of Glenn Murphy and Mark Noonan in a north Dublin shopping centre early yesterday is a step too far, and I offer my condolences to the family and friends of these two young men. Will the Leader agree to have a debate on policing and request the Minister for Justice and Law Reform to outline the policies to address and resolve gun crime?

On a better note, I draw the attention of the House to a tremendous programme on RTE the other night on the subject of young carers. It showed the outstanding commitment, love and care by young people that needs to be recognised and applauded. It was absolutely fantastic. I salute all the young people, including those who featured on the programme,who are caring on a 24-7, 365-day year basis. They do tremendous work and, from the viewpoint of a former office holder, I recognise that the State could never provide what volunteers do in this regard.

I also pay tribute to the Carers Association which carries out tremendous work and needs to be supported in every way possible. I ask the Leader to request the Minister to work with the Carers Association for all the carers who are doing tremendous work and, in particular perhaps, to focus on appropriate recognition for young carers.