Irish archbishop says Dublin needs summit to address violence

Published: 2008-03-05

DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) -- Dublin needs a community summit to address the growing levels of violence in Irish society, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin said at a memorial Mass for two Polish men killed violently. Archbishop Martin suggested the summit begin with networks of parents, young people, religious, police and others. "The challenges of violence and substance abuse go beyond the realm of crime prevention and require a wider outreach to the entire community," he said. "I can guarantee the support of the parishes of this archdiocese in any such initiatives." After refusing to buy alcohol for a group of teenagers loitering outside a shop in Dublin Feb. 23, Pavel Kalite, 29, and Mariusz Szwajkos, 27, were attacked with screwdrivers. They both suffered serious head injuries and died several days later in a hospital. So far, four teenagers, three males and a female, have been arrested in connection with the incident. It appears that ethnicity was not a factor in the attack, which nevertheless has caused widespread public outcry.

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