Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

When this was brought forward in the UK it was added onto a Bill on anti-social behaviour. It is unfair to expect people to wade through tort law to solve this problem and consider taking an injunction. That is way above the capacities of most people; they just want to get on with living their lives. The UK solution was very simple. One can apply for an order, the judge can make a decision and if the people do not comply with the order a fine can be issued. We are talking about the little people. The people who experience neighbours who will not reason or mediate with them on this are likely to be quiet and vulnerable while the others are stubborn and inconsiderate.

If it is an anti-social matter in respect of which people have recourse to court it would not be appropriate for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to deal with this, but it would be appropriate to the remit of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It is the little things like this that matter.

We are here as the public representatives of the people. There is all this talk about legislation as if it is some high-minded thing we do. We are elected by the people and as public representatives are in touch with them. They tell us their stories in order that we can go and do something about the matter by way of legislation. Why does the Minister not introduce a Bill dealing solely with this issue, given that he feels strongly about it, as we all do? It is a matter that is raised with most public representatives. Rather than saying he will refer it to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government or that we will discuss it, this issue can and should be solved. It is the kind of measure that would restore the faith of the people who elect us and show them that legislation is about the little things that matter and is relevant to their daily lives and the problems they face.

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