Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I call on the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House to discuss the issue of anti-social behaviour on housing estates. Who holds responsibility in this area? Is it the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, because there has been a breakdown in law and order, is it local authorities, which do not appear to have any regard to whom they place as tenants in their houses, or is it certain greedy landlords who take no responsibility regarding to whom they rent their properties as long as they obtain moneys from people's rent allowances or supplements?

This is a serious matter. Some long-established housing estates are being destroyed. Families are living in fear of heroin addicts and criminals who come into housing estates and cause havoc. There is a need for joined-up thinking between the Departments on this matter. In addition, legislation designed to safeguard people's right to live in peace must be introduced. Will the Deputy Leader make time available for a debate on this matter? We all know what has happened on housing estates in cities such as Limerick and Dublin. Some families have invested heavily in their homes only to have their entire housing estates destroyed by two or three bad elements.