Old people have become virtual prisoners in their homes in many city areas as gangs of youths gather at night to set off illegal fireworks. The noise of bangers and other fireworks has gradually increased in both frequency and intensity in recent weeks as Halloween approached. Family pets have been driven to distraction by the noise. And the scale of the lucrative trade in illegal fireworks became fully apparent during the weekend when the skies over our cities and towns lit up in a public display that made a mockery of the law.
Three weeks ago, the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, told the Dáil he was aware of the distress caused to people by illegal fireworks. And he said his officials would bring forward amending legislation by the end of this year to increase the size of financial penalties. In some instances, under the 130-year-old legislation, a maximum fine of only £5 can be imposed.
The response by the Minister was minimalist and it had no impact on the situation this year. And if the promised legislation deals only with fines, then the problem of illegal fireworks in this State will continue to grow. The use of fireworks is now so pervasive that a blanket ban is simply unenforceable. Instead, their importation and sale should be carefully regulated and quality control must be a prime consideration. As in Northern Ireland, a prohibition should be enforced on bangers and on other particularly dangerous and noisy products.
Criminal gangs are making large amounts of money from the illegal importation of sub-standard fireworks from China. Much of that trade originates in the North. The extent of the activity can be gauged from the recent seizure of a consignment of 165 tonnes of fireworks by the Assets Recovery Agency, which combats organised crime there. The value of sub-standard products increases by about thirty times before reaching the streets. The sale of legal fireworks to this jurisdiction is also highly lucrative. North of the Border, traders positioned vast containers, stuffed with fireworks. And they carried on a thriving trade with the drivers of Southern-registered cars.
The dangers posed by fireworks are not sufficiently appreciated by members of the public. Three years ago, 19 patients - 10 of them children - were admitted to two Dublin hospitals with serious burns and other injuries. In the meantime, the situation has worsened. And while fireworks remain illegal, a public safety campaign in schools will remain a pipe dream. The Government is failing in its responsibilities. Elderly citizens and the young deserve better.