Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Nov 1994

Vol. 141 No. 7

Adjournment Matter. - Availability and Sale of Fireworks.

Mr. Cosgrave

I thank you for allowing me to raise this important matter, Sir. Regrettably once again this Halloween weekend we read that a number of young children and youths have had to attend hospital following injuries received from fireworks; some, unfortunately, will have permanent injuries. I read in the paper of people sustaining serious injuries to their fingers and their eyes and of serious scarring. It is regrettable that these accidents can arise from what is supposed to be a happy, lighthearted event.

No one wants to be a spoil sport but we read of old people being terrified by the placing of fireworks and bangers in post boxes. These activities cause great distress, particularly to old people living alone. As I said, no one wants to spoil the normal fun and festivities associated with Halloween — the dressing up, knocking at doors, etc. — but it is clear that the Minister should examine the availability of fireworks, their sale, and in particular the standards of safety in relation to their use.

Some of these fireworks are imported and they are not safe. Where cheap imports are used, innocent consumers have no recourse should there be an accident, or if the fireworks are faulty or unsafe. The Department should examine this matter and liaise with the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs. The way these cheap fireworks become available also leaves room for improvement. Last weekend some young people lost their sight and others suffered extensive damage to their faces and hands. Action will have to be taken. There should be an immediate investigation into area.

Unfortunately there was rowdy behaviour at some bonfires and gangs ran riot. People were injured, there was damage to property, cars were set alight, etc. These activities are far beyond the normal enjoyment of the traditional fun at this time of the year and put an unnecessary strain on the emergency services. I read in one report that at times there was one call every minute for the emergency services over the Halloween weekend. Some of these were hoaxes but the emergency services have to respond.

I ask the Minister to respond positively to my request. Before next Halloween, certain safeguards should be in place regarding the standard of fireworks and their sale, it should be illegal to sell cheap and dangerous imports. This is not an easy problem to resolve but I am sure the Minister, like myself, has read about some of these accidents. When we see some of our young people permanently scarred and the hardship and sadness this has brought to their parents and relatives, it is clear that action is required.

I ask the Minister to respond positively, to investigate the matter and to report to us.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice (Mr. O'Dea)

The Senator has raised a very important and topical issue today and one which the Minister for Justice addressed very recently. However, let me now take the opportunity to outline again the position in relation to the importation of fireworks.

Under the Explosives Act, 1875, a licence is required to be issued by my Department for the importation of fireworks. It is a longstanding policy that such licences are only issued for organised fireworks displays conducted by competent, professional operators.

That said, it is clear to everyone that not all the fireworks entering the country are destined for such controlled use and that quantities of illegally imported fireworks, some of very dubious quality indeed, are finding their way on to our streets and into the hands of young people and children in particular. For obvious reasons, the problem is more acute at this time each year when certain traders seek to maximise their profits by importing illegally as many fireworks, bangers, etc., as they can.

The Minister for Justice indicated recently that measures are being taken by the Garda to deal with this problem and it is worth taking this opportunity to reiterate these measures which include the setting up of a special Garda unit in Dublin to combat the sale and distribution of illegally imported fireworks, the deployment of personnel to known trouble areas to deal specifically with the problem as well as liaison with local authorities and the fire brigade service. Warnings on the dangers connected with fires and fireworks were also broadcast on all local radio stations in the days leading up to Halloween.

The vigilance of the Garda means that substantial quantities of illegally imported and potentially dangerous fireworks are seized and subsequently destroyed. Last year's seizures were valued at approximately £116,000 and this year the gardaí in Dublin kept up the tempo and confiscated substantial quantities. A round figure of £120,000 can be put on the value of these fireworks, and during October £65,000 worth were seized in the Henry Street, Dublin, area alone. A very close eye is kept on this illegal trade and the Garda will not hesitate to take appropriate and swift action to counter it.

I am satisfied that seizure by the Garda is the best way of protecting the public from the inherent dangers of fireworks. However, it is only part of the solution to this perennial problem. Parents in particular and adults in general also have a responsibility to ensure that children are aware of the dangers posed by bangers and other fireworks and that they are strictly supervised where fireworks of any description are being used. All too often children are left to their own devices with fireworks and at bonfires with no proper adult supervision.

We all saw the horrific results of some of the dreadful accidents involving fireworks which happened to children in the last few days. It makes me wince to think of the numbers of young people and children in particular who are brought to hospitals at this time each year with torn flesh, injured eyes or fractured bones. Halloween is a time for fun and games, not for suffering. However, it is not only children and young people who suffer. The old and infirm can also suffer terribly through fear and apprehension caused by loud bangs when the fireworks explode.

I have no doubt that the gardaí will, this year as every year, take all necessary measures to deal with this illegal trade to ensure as far as possible that these items do not end up in the hands of the young and innocent. I appeal to everyone, young and old, parents and guardians alike, to take a share of this responsibility and thereby keep the number of dreadful injuries to an absolute minimum so that all children can fully and properly enjoy what should be a very happy, celebratory time.

The Seanad adjourned at 12.40 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 16 November 1994.