Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the proposal of Senator Clonan in respect of the organisation of a civic reception. I know civic receptions are usually for city councils but perhaps there is some methodology that can be used to arrange it.These people are peacekeepers. Their work is particularly testing at this time. It is appropriate that we recognise them in this way.

Fireworks constitute an important issue at this time of year. I witnessed the back part of a home, which served as a workshop and a hangout area for the family involved, being destroyed over the weekend as a result of arson. The latter was perpetrated by a number of young people goofing around with fireworks. It has had a devastating impact on the family. The family pet was almost burnt alive. As we head into this time of the year, what happened at the weekend brings home to us that there are individuals who are making money from vulnerable young people to whom they are selling illegal fireworks. While I do not wish to dampen spirits or be a Scrooge about this, there is a responsibility on parents who purchase fireworks for young people and for those who trade in them. The consequences can be fatal in some instances. A small difference could have resulted in the house of the family to whom I refer being burnt down. Elderly people living in nearby houses would have been under threat if it was not for the fast action of the fire brigade, which ensured the fire did not spread. Everything could have been different. It is important to use this Chamber to highlight this issue and the threat that exists. We need to do more about the sale and supply of fireworks at the earliest opportunity.