Ray Butler (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like the Minister for Justice and Equality to look into legislation regarding prankster stunts that draw on the resources of the Irish Coast Guard, local gardaí and the emergency services and waste valuable time, finances and essential resources that could be required at the time to save lives in a real emergency.

Yesterday evening in Trim, an individual was spotted entering the River Boyne, raising grave concerns for his wellbeing. The Irish Coast Guard and full emergency services, together with local people, searched the Boyne for this individual only to discover hours later that it was a total prank. Those who engage in such behaviour with such disregard for their fellow man should be dealt with by the full rigours of the law and I urge the Minister to take serious steps to bring forward legislation in this regard.