O Caolain denies Sinn Fein is involved in vigilantism

The Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Mr Caoimhghí Ó Caoláin, strongly denied his party was involved in vigilantism.

"These allegations from our political opponents have been orchestrated in the run-up to the forthcoming general election. I believe this is a cynical party political exercise, which has nothing whatever to do with vigilantism or crime but is an attempt to frighten voters from supporting Sinn Féin.

"It is a deliberate diversion and a distraction from the real issues with which people are concerned."

Mr Ó Caoláin was speaking during the resumed debate on a Fine Gael private member's motion critical of the Government's crime record.

Mr Pat Rabbitte (Labour, Dublin South West) said working class estates through west Dublin were tortured by anti-social activity, thuggish intimidation and so-called joyriding.

"I believe that the breakdown of public order has become a major issue for Dáil Éireann and the media only because it has spread to middle class areas.

For the same reason, the disgraceful conduct of visiting nomadic traders at the Dodder became a major issue but no one went to photograph the unfortunate residents of Rossfield in west Tallaght when they were besieged in their homes for months."

Mr Brian Lenihan (FF, Dublin West) said a revision of social attitudes, specifically relating to drink and intoxication, was required.

"We cannot blame everything on social problems any more. There is a severe and persistent problem of wanton drunkenness. Putting out glossy brochures, or suggesting that the teachers can educate children to be better, will not resolve the problem. We have to raise the stakes for people who engage in this kind of conduct, and this has not been done."

Earlier, the Dáil was adjourned for 10 minutes, following heated exchanges between the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, and the Opposition.

The Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan, said young people on remand were being turned away from both Oberstown House and Trinity House, and this applied to those involved in the tragic deaths of two gardaí.

Amid repeated Opposition questioning, Dr Woods said one of the boys involved was assessed at the Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre last February.

"The recommendation of the assessment was that he be placed under the guidance of the probation service in a probation hostel." Asked by Mr Noonan if this had been done, Dr Woods said it was a matter for the Garda and the courts.