Seanad debates
Thursday, 24 October 2002
Crime Levels: Statements.
In the context of criminality and the alienation of young people, I am still passionately attached to Part 5 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act which is designed to prevent ghettoisation. It is aimed at ensuring that we no longer build vast suburbs with no proper social facilities because those destined to live in them are from the lowest end of the socio-economic scale. They are most in need of access to decent shopping, housing and recreational facilities, yet they have found themselves ghettoised in the most deprived areas. Whatever adjustments are made to that Act in future, it is a step in the right direction. If we live in a republic, everyone should be willing to live alongside people who are richer or poorer. Pressure from strong interest groups should not be allowed to cause such an enlightened social policy to unravel.
No comments