Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 8, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following:“(iii) the tenancy supports that are available to the tenant from the local authority and other agencies,”.

The discussion about anti-social behaviour is a difficult area. The difficulty applies to all of us who work with local authorities. Certainly in the north inner city I have seen the effects of particular individuals who have been involved in serious antisocial behaviour, usually involving drugs and drug dealing. There is violence and we have had assaults and murders. I sympathise with local authorities which are trying to deal with this. Sometimes, however, other tenants do not see the local authorities moving quickly enough to address the matter. However, we have to balance that with the necessary supports for vulnerable people when they are dealing with accusations of anti-social behaviour.

The purpose of the amendment is to insert a measure that would add to the supports in place. It would mean the local authority would have to include external contacts on the letter of warning. External contacts such as community law centres, legal aid organisations and the Citizens' Information Board, or housing charities such as Focus Ireland, could provide support.

We are keen to ensure that everything is done so that eviction is not the recourse taken. The measure also allows for the necessary balance to push the local authority to move more quickly. Anyway, every attempt should be made to try to support people so that it does not get to that point. Including these measures in the legislation would also reinforce the welfare teams who are working on this, and it would be a reinforcement for the local authority as well. Furthermore, it would mean that when a case goes to the District Court the court could measure the level of engagement. It will not always work, but if engagement has occurred honestly and positively then it could be important.

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