Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I echo the calls for a debate on crime, which should be extended to also deal with anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime. I say this at a time when access to alcohol has never been easier. Over the weekend we saw reports that an additional few hundred off-licences have been approved in the past year. I say that knowing the impact anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime are having on residents. Last night I attended a meeting in Ashbourne where residents must live with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour on a daily basis. I say this at a time when there has been complete inaction on the part of Government. In January the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, said he expected the advisory group that he established to report by the end of March and that we could expect legislation before the summer recess. The latest legislative programme shows that this is way behind time. The Minister is now saying that we might see some legislation before the end of the year. I ask the Leader to pass on the comments from this Chamber that if we are to believe the Minister that action will be taken, it should be taken sooner rather than later.