Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, but I got no sense of urgency from her response. We must accept the fact that people who pay their rent and live with the scourge of neighbours' anti-social behaviour also have human rights and are entitled to live in peace and harmony, free from the types of trouble caused by anti-social tenants. Their rights should be upheld.

Does the Minister of State accept the urgency of the matter? The Donegan case dates from February 2012. Since then, promises have been made about conducting a review of the 1966 Act, particularly its section 62. However, there has been no firm commitment as to a date for that review.

Local communities are facing significant difficulties in dealing with the problems associated with anti-social activity. Council officials' hands are tied because the law has not been on their side since the judgment. Will the Minister of State deal with this issue as a matter of urgency? When will the review of the legislation be completed and the new legislation be ready? Will the Minister of State assure the House that adequate staff resources are devoted to the issue? My understanding is that there was a gap in those resources for several months. Will she take this issue seriously once and for all?

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