Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept that but sentencing should reflect the crime. We have to take into account the impact on children.

I raise also the issue of derelict sites. I have become aware of a number of derelict sites within my town of Newbridge and around south County Kildare that are owned by investment funds. They are a blight on the estates on which they are situated. Dumping is going on and young people are hanging around, yet it is difficult for Kildare County Council, in this instance, to secure the property because of the legal issues. There needs to be a streamlined system whereby properties can be secured if, after a period, the owners cannot be contacted in order that the sites can be taken by the local authority and turned into accommodation. We all recognise and acknowledge the need for more houses but something needs to be done in respect of derelict sites.