Anti-social behaviour by some young people was sharply criticised by Máire Hoctor (FF, Tipperary North).
"The behaviour of the young is a gap that has not been addressed and elderly people living in housing estates, for example, can feel vulnerable due to egg-throwing and other kinds of anti-social behaviour, while gardaí feel helpless," she said.
Ms Hoctor said that while the Irish Council for Civil Liberties had expressed deep concern about proposed Government measures, legislation must be put in place so that young people experienced fear.
"Many of the young have no idea of fear and dread nothing," she said.
"They must experience some fear as a deterrent so others can live with the regular quality of life they were accustomed to, but which diminished because of out-of-control and anti-social behaviour."
Speaking during the resumed debate on the Garda Síochána Bill, Ms Hoctor welcomed the establishment of a Garda ombudsman commission. The existing Garda Complaints Board, due to its limited capacity, needed to be revised and reformed, she said. Members of the public might have a complaint to make against a garda but would not know how to go about it.
It was beyond doubt, said Ms Hoctor, that past and more recent actions by some gardaí called their integrity into question.
"For example, I am aware of situations in which gardaí working in different communities inherited significant property on the death of residents," she added.
"Such gardaí may, with the best of intentions, have acted to protect vulnerable or elderly people living on their own and were willed the property following their deaths to the devastation of some families."
