Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I join those who paid tribute to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Brennan, who is not seeking a Cabinet position. I wish the outgoing Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, the very best of luck and thank him for all he has done for this country, and I wish Deputy Cowen every success. The central word will be "success" because in anything he has touched thus far he has been a great success.

I ask the Leader to invite to the House the Minister with responsibility for housing. Over many years the taxpayer has provided fine accommodation for those in need of housing. People like me are asked every day to exhort the powers that be to bring in legislation which will take definitive control over unruly tenants and neighbours. This is the exception rather than the rule. People say there is legislation covering this issue, but it is not working effectively. There are many people in housing estates who have been advised by the local authority and by the Garda to move out. Why should a family minding their own business be made to move out, while the troublemaker is allowed to remain? That is putting the cart before the horse and it is not acceptable.

I ask that a debate be held on this issue urgently and that the Minister of State, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, bring forward definitive proposals which can tackle what is a serious and growing problem.