Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will the Leader arrange an early debate on crime levels? We have talked previously about the number of burglaries around the country, but they have a particularly insidious effect on elderly persons, many of whom live alone and are frightened to stay on their own after being burgled or when someone close to them has been burgled. It has a huge effect on the desire for independent living and not enough of a focus is placed on the issue. I do not think I have heard the Minister for Justice and Equality make any statement on it. We have become immune to the number of people killed in Dublin - shot dead on their doorstep or in their homes. As it is unacceptable, I would like a debate on it. It might help the Minister in taking account of the real effect on the citizenry of failures on the part of the State to deal adequately with these situations. There may also be a need for legislative changes. I noted in one of today's newspapers that the Garda was looking to ensure it would not be affected by the new penalty points system and that if gardaí were in pursuit of criminals, they could exceed the speed limits. It is lunacy to have a system under which criminals obviously have no regard for speed limits, while those in pursuit are inhibited in trying to catch them. I know that there are inherent dangers, but we must look at best practice internationally in that regard.

I have noted that the Leader has said the debate on No. 1 will start immediately after the Order of Business. That was not indicated to Members in the notice that was sent on Friday. Some Members have put considerable work into the Bill. I am here, but others are not here and they are extremely anxious that the debate not take place until the scheduled time of 3.45 p.m. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business. I would not like to have to press it to a vote and would like the Leader to be amenable to scheduling the debate in accordance with the schedule sent to us. This is a reasonable request, given that Members are coming to the House today precisely to participate in the debate, and I hope the Leader will accede to it.