Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that the removal of graffiti is supported by the Minister for Justice and Equality. As I outlined, agencies of the Department of Justice and Equality continue to play a role in tackling the problem. However, primary responsibility for the removal of graffiti lies with other statutory bodies. I understand the Senator's frustration. He mentioned that I should approach the Department of the Taoiseach. I encourage him to go to the Minister responsible for local government and the environment because it is through that Department that the issue should be tackled. The Department of Justice and Equality can prevent the problem of graffiti from happening through An Garda Síochána, but the issue of the removal of graffiti should be pursued through the local authorities. The Senator should, therefore, approach the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, or his Minister of State, Deputy Phelan, who has responsibility for local government to see what can be done to deal with the problem. It is not the statutory function of the Department of Justice and Equality. While clearly the public finances are in a better position than they were ten years ago, I understand there are other competing and pressing demands within the Department of Justice and Equality. I encourage the Senator to raise the matter with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, given that he has statutory responsibiliy for the local authorities. I personally believe the anti-graffiti scheme should be reintroduced but through a different Department. It would be more appropriate, therefore, for the Senator to ask the Minister and the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to reintroduce it.