There were sharp exchanges between the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr McDowell, and Labour's Mr Michael D. Higgins during the resumed debate on the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill. The Bill is aimed at curbing public order offences.

Mr Higgins said he could not accept some of Mr McDowell's assumptions and the thinking of some Opposition members on the issue. "The only construction in some of the speeches yesterday was that we should almost declare war on young people," said Mr Higgins.

"We announce that we are going to escalate our side of the equation to deal with their behaviour on the other side, without an examination of the behavioural sources and what is influencing the behaviour which is causing such problems."

Mr Higgins said he was interested in the reference in Mr McDowell's speech to "those who wish to socialise in the evening and late at night and those who wish to relax in the quiet enjoyment of their property".

There was no reference, said Mr Higgins, to the role of the family "in the quiet enjoyment of property, which reflects in a curious way the shift in institutional emphasis."

Mr McDowell interjected, remarking: "I am sorry that I forgot to mention the family dog." Mr Higgins replied: "If the Minister wishes to interrupt me, I can respond by saying we move in different social circles."

Mr McDowell remarked: "Thank God."

Earlier, Mr Higgins said that society had lived with massive abuse by advertising and alcohol. Sweden, for example, had taken action to protect its children from abuses perpetrated by advertising.

"This country, which is now to announce that it is going to war after dark, seems unwilling to look at the sources of its problem. I have mentioned one, the connection between advertising and alcohol. Another is the construction of great temples to the consumption of alcohol."

Mr Seán Haughey (FF, Dublin North Central) said the new lack of respect for members of the Garda should be tackled by the Minister. "If the gardaí have a constitutional role in upgrading law and order, they must be respected in their role."