Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls for a debate on the pilot training issue. I call on the Leader to do his utmost to get it on our schedule, if possible. I commend the Senators who have raised the matter, in particular, Senator O'Donovan, who has given strong leadership on this from day one. It is an important issue and we stand to be counted on how we support our young people, especially when they are in trouble abroad.

I am horrified at what occurred in the Phoenix Park but it is not a once-off phenomenon. Only last week an eminent journalist died following an unprovoked, random attack. Some months ago there was mayhem in the streets of the city in the mid-afternoon. Last year, a young Polish man, a shift worker going to his place of work at 7 a.m., was kicked to death on the streets of Dublin. It is not only a city phenomenon. It is taking place in rural towns and villages after night clubs close at weekends. There is always a concern at festive occasions that something like this will occur as well.

I heard a well-known, long-established and experienced county councillor on the radio recently. He was discussing the fears of elderly people living in rural places. We have gone back to the days when, out of fear, people hid bill hooks and pikes in the thatch to protect themselves. This is taking place at a time when we are being threatened with the wholesale closure of police stations. The Leader knows what I am talking about because he raised the issue only last week, as did Senator Leyden.