Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

As I have indicated, the anti-social behaviour strategy provides a framework for action, co-operation between bodies, procedures for the making of complaints and initiatives for the prevention and reduction of anti-social behaviour. These principal objectives are set out in section 34(2). Subsection (3) builds on the principal objectives set out in subsection (2) by requiring housing authorities to detail the manner in which those principles are to be met in the strategy, including procedures for the making of a complaint to a housing authority, initiatives for prevention and reduction, the provision of education and the carrying out of research on prevention and reduction.

Although some of the elements in the amendment are comprehended by this provision, other elements of the amendment look to add to this list in subsection (3) in some detail with a range of items that would require further complex development and interpretation. For example, what is meant by the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in this context? In a broader sense, the tenancy agreement in Schedule 3 is a key document with regard to the obligations of tenants.

I have indicated already that I am discussing some further provisions on anti-social behaviour with the Parliamentary Counsel and I hope to be in a position to bring forward further provisions during the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas. In those circumstances I ask the Senator to withdraw the amendment.