The level of violent crime was the highest in the history of the State, representing a crisis about which the Minister for Justice was saying nothing, said Mr Joe Costello (Lab).
The recent brutal attack which had resulted in the death of an 81-year-old man was just one of many such crimes, he said. The Victim Support Group had spoken of 1,400 attacks on the elderly last year. Murders had risen from 10 in 1997 to 21 in 1999, a rise of 100 per cent.
Mr Costello supported the call by Mr John Connor (FG) that the Minister, Mr O'Donoghue, explain to the House what he and the Garda Commissioner were doing. Horrendous outrages had taken place over the last number of years, but there did not seem to have been a response in terms of deploying gardai in a way which would increase the security of the vulnerable elderly.
The leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, said the beating-up of people in their advanced years was despicable. He would agree to a debate on rural policing.
"I certainly have very strong views in relation to the changing society that is emerging with the Celtic Tiger. Indeed, it is mind-boggling at times to understand why these things are happening."
Earlier, the two newest members of the House, Mr Jim Glen non and Mr Sean O Fearghail, both Fianna Fail, were formally introduced to the Cathaoirleach by the leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy.
Describing Mr O Fearghail as one of the best county councillors, Mr John Dardis (PD), deputy Government leader in the House, remarked: "I wish him very well. I guarantee him he will have my co-operation in his efforts in here."
Of Mr Glennon, a former rug by international, Mr Dardis, a referee, said: "We did rub shoulders in the past. I had the whistle and he was in the second row, and I can tell you, if he can look after himself nearly as well in here as he could look after himself in the Irish second row, he would be very qualified indeed."