Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator McFadden raised the issue of anti-social behaviour, which is a very important matter. Anti-social behaviour is beginning to spiral upwards in many parts of the country. While I appreciate that we need to understand why people engage in such behaviour, there is an obligation on all of us to ensure that it does not continue or go unchecked and that those who perpetrate it on communities, individuals and families are punished. The Senator referred to Longford, which is a very fine town. We all know of people who have had car windows or mirrors destroyed, hanging baskets on their houses ruined and so on. We all know of businesses and properties that have been damaged and of people who have been interfered with and intimidated. This cannot continue. A more robust approach must be taken to anti-social behaviour, whether through increasing the use of anti-social behaviour orders, ASBOs, or instituting no-go zones in the context of zero tolerance, although I do not like using that phrase. We must make a concerted effort on anti-social behaviour.

Senators Devine and Humphreys raised the issue of the climate change action plan. It is my intention to have the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment come to the House before the summer recess to have a discussion on it. As Senator Humphreys knows, there is shadow pricing in respect of carbon in all plans. The shadow price is set at approximately €100 per tonne. It is also important to note that, as time moves on and technology changes, that price may decrease. I am happy to invite the Minister to the House to debate the matter.It is important that the good work of the Members of this House on the climate action committee be acknowledged. Second, it is my intention that we will have a debate on the climate action plan before the summer recess.

I am aware that a debate on the summer economic statement will take place in the Dáil. It is my intention to have a similar debate in this House, probably in the week after next week, but I will come back to the House on the matter.

Senator Mac Lochlainn referred to BIM. I do not have the answer to his question, but I know that there is similar one in Ringaskiddy. The Minister is aware of the issue and I will be happy to have him come back to the House to discuss it.

Senator Humphreys raised the issue of a review of the legislation dealing with multi-units. We all join him in wanting to see apartment living made more affordable. I will be in touch with the Minister's office on the matter.