THE Progressive Democrats TD for Cork North Central, Ms Mairin Quill, last night extended her sympathy to the dead boy's parents and said lessons would have to be learned from the tragedy. It was clear, she said, that more and better leisure and recreational facilities for young people would have to be provided.
"We must have a wider provision of such facilities so that young people have a constructive outlet for their energies to distract them from such destructive past times."
Five years had passed since she had presented the Government with the report on which the legislation for the Children's Bill - at present being debated by the Dail - was based.
"A modern framework to protect young people from falling into crime was urgently needed in 1992. It is even more urgent now. It is appalling that it has taken five years for this legislation to see the light of day. The Government clearly do not appreciate the urgency required," Ms Quill said.