Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Earlier on "Morning Ireland" we heard two young ladies talk about their experience of stalking. They asked that we amend legislation to make stalking a criminal offence in its own right. The two perpetrators in this case ended up being jailed for seven years each with two years suspended. As one of the young women said, the guy who stalked her will be out in three years. I cannot begin to imagine the fear that must exist in somebody's life if somebody is stalking them like that. It is something we should probably have a debate on in this House and we should consider legislation. While I would love to bring a Bill to the House, knowing the balance of power in the House, I will throw it over to the Government side to bring in legislation. It was absolutely horrific listening to those two women this morning.

Over the weekend, I was contacted by a number of people in Northern Ireland with respect to what is expected to be a week of rioting and violence by young unionist men, particularly. The way the message was put to me last night was that the old guard has lost control and these young guys are out on the street. The comments I listened to this morning from Deputy Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Féin, and her apology regarding Lord Mountbatten, were really welcome. All these things change the perception of how we are seen in the Republic. There is a need for the European Union to engage directly with the political parties in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Foreign Affairs could facilitate that type of engagement.

I understand the sensitivities of the alleged border down the Irish Sea. I understand how some deeply committed unionists feel it is an attack on them. I compliment Northern republicans, at this stage, for maintaining their counsel and not getting involved in the spat that is going on up there. The people who contacted me over the weekend are extremely concerned at what is taking place. They think it will not take an awful lot to tip it back to where it was in the bad old days. Thankfully, one side of that equation is very measured in their movements at the moment. However, these young men apparently feel they can do better than their forefathers with respect to maintaining the union.

I ask the Leader to discuss this particular issue with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and ask if there is a way we can bring Northern politicians to Brussels to engage directly with the Commission and see whether we can find a way around this problem.