Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Cathaoirleach and staff on how well the Seanad is run. I also commend the Leader, Senator Buttimer.

I have raised the issue before but I reiterate my call for a detailed debate and statements on anti-social behaviour. We all agree that a significant proportion of Garda time in our areas involves dealing with anti-social behaviour in estates and other locations. It is not exclusive to any area but, invariably, it is caused by a relatively small number of people.There may be a need to look at the way the anti-social behaviour laws are working, to look at the area of parental responsibility for younger children and whether there are areas in society where we are failing younger children. I have a general view that society and the organs of the State are there to ensure that people can go about their daily lives in a safe environment, rearing their children or whatever else.

In the area of anti-social behaviour and in defence of An Garda Síochána - I can only speak of Limerick - the work the gardaí do in the ground in dealing with anti-social behaviour is second to none. I commend their availability. I make the distinction between corporate An Garda Síochána and gardaí on the ground. I ask that time be put aside in the Seanad when we come back for a specific debate on anti-social behaviour to get the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, in before the House to discuss it at length.

I wish all my colleagues and all the staff a welcome break.