Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I want to raise two issues, the first of which concerns the headlines in the national newspapers today and yesterday on the abuse of a 14 year old boy. As a parent, I am horrified by this. It brings very clearly into focus the dangers of children playing around with the Internet and mobile phones. The story demonstrates there are predators in society waiting for vulnerable young people such as the 14 year old boy. The investigation is in its infancy but we should all be vigilant as parents to ensure our children are not exploring the Internet in the manner of the young boy in question which led him into the circumstances he now finds himself. It must be a horrendous experience for him and his parents and I shudder at the thought.

I have come across a number of cases recently concerning the gross neglect of tenants by landlords in cases where those tenants are having difficulties with their neighbours. On two occasions in recent months, tenants have approached me in Mullingar to complain about two different sets of next door neighbours. In one case, the landlord asked the complainant, whose life was made a living hell, to speak to the chairman of the residents' association. If ever there were ever a Pontius Pilate cop-out from one's responsibilities, that was it. I would welcome a debate on this matter.

There is a legislative void because landlords are not discharging their responsibilities concerning those living next to their rented properties. While rented properties are important and provide a facility for individuals who might not be able to afford to purchase such a property, this is not the issue in question. The real issue concerns tenants' behaviour towards their neighbours and landlords' duty to ensure their tenants discharge their responsibilities to their neighbours.