Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I am advised that ordering the paragraphs in such a subsection gives no particular pre-eminence to the items covered. Therefore, the amendments are unnecessary and I ask the Senators to withdraw them.

I appreciate the intent of the Senator's amendment is to focus on preventative measures and inter-agency work but I am satisfied that the section as it currently stands will achieve that purpose. I indicated on the previous occasion that we would develop guidelines in this area that will reflect work already undertaken by the Centre for Housing Research, which provides important training to housing practitioners on dealing with anti-social behaviour. Illustrating the types of matters that might form part of the preventative strategy in legislation might be overly restrictive. I assure the House that innovative approaches are facilitated in this area and that the provisions stand the test of time by providing for flexibility. Therefore, while I appreciate the intent of the amendments I do not accept them.