Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Some time ago, I went to Limerick and visited some of the areas which were affected by anti-social behaviour and criminality. I also met members of the regeneration team on that occasion. I was particularly impressed by their commitment as well as their knowledge of the problems involved and how to confront them. They were determined to give back a decent life to decent people. I was involved in the establishment of a project in the region and I was pleasantly surprised at the number of young people, almost 400, who came forward to be part of the project. It struck me that, unfortunately and necessarily, we must highlight particular elements in those areas but the vast majority of people are ordinary decent, honest to God people who want to live their lives and give a future to their children. As we watched the programme on television last night, we could once again see the extent of the seriousness. Can the Leader arrange for a debate as soon as possible to give everyone the opportunity to bring forward their experiences? It struck me that the women on the programme who were prepared to explain what was happening showed great courage in doing so. Knowing those areas, there are people in those areas try to silence such people. In the midst of the serious issues of the budget, the human issues must be given attention. My hope is that the regeneration will go ahead and we will engage as much as we possibly can with those people affected.