Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Walsh to this meeting. I am sorry that I did not hear her introduction because I was in the Dáil. I apologise for my absence. In the context of proposed legislation and amendments to that how does Ms Walsh view the provisions for the PRTB to deal with anti-social behaviour? I am thinking of the adequacy of sanctions as a deterrent.

While one end of the spectrum of anti-social behaviour can be innocent but nonetheless annoying, the other can be criminal. I know this is a complex matter and that where one crosses the great divide is also an issue. To what extent could the legislation be strengthened to recognise the often criminal element of anti-social behaviour and should it include sanctions such as anti-social behaviour orders, ASBOs, which might act as a deterrent to a tenant and so on engaging in anti-social behaviour? One of the hallmarks of anti-social behaviour or nuisance with which people have to deal is the length of time it takes to get results.