Despite warnings from the Minister for Justice, Hallowe'en once again proved to be a torturous ordeal for many people throughout the country, including people in my county of Tipperary. Weeks before 31 October, there was an ongoing barrage of fireworks in every town, village and city across the country, instilling fear in the elderly, intellectually disabled people, those with autism, young children and animals. Hallowe'en night itself was a living nightmare in many places with our essential service providers being attacked in some areas. There have been reports of fireworks having been thrown at moving vehicles, thrown from bridges, tossed into people's back gardens and even pushed through letterboxes. This is not Hallowe'en fun; it is criminal damage and malice. Fireworks are supposed to be illegal in the Republic of Ireland. Why then are they so freely available? We need a more determined effort to prevent the import of fireworks. We need to be seen to enforce the laws already in existence. We have 12 months to address this issue. I ask that some measures be taken to improve enforcement of the law.

I join with the Deputy in articulating our disgust at the unacceptable use of illegal fireworks in communities across the country. I agree with him about the frustration of many living in different communities at their indiscriminate and intimidating use. The Minister for Justice and her Department run a safety campaign aimed at ensuring public awareness of the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires. I will discuss this matter with the Minister for Justice with a view to a crackdown on this kind of behaviour. It is not acceptable. It not only endangers communities but undermines them and creates fear and insecurity among vulnerable people. We simply need to take a stronger and more robust approach to dealing with it.