Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I find it appropriate that the Taoiseach is joined by the Minister for Health, the Minister for Justice and the Minister with responsibility for local government. Last night's "RTÉ Investigates" programme highlighted a plethora of complex issues related to O'Connell Street. While the matter has already been raised, does the Taoiseach not believe a good starting point would be to establish a task force to address the issues raised? Each of the Ministers has a responsibility. It relates to health because of the level of drug addiction and complex needs there. The Minister for Justice said she was going to clean up the streets but that language will not be helpful. It relates to local government because the absence of local government has led to a considerable breakdown and the dereliction we see on O'Connell Street. Could we have a task force with all the Ministers taking responsibility because we all have a responsibility for O'Connell Street?

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