Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise two issues. One is related to the “Prime Time” programme on O’Connell Street in Dublin city. What a shame and a disgrace it is. This is not about laying the blame on anybody. I circulated a small memo this morning to all Dublin city councillors of all political parties. Within ten minutes I received seven or eight responses at least. In two or three cases they said that we did not need another task force for Dublin city; we need resources, responsibility and accountability.

Clearly, in Dublin City Council, it is in the interest of its executive and elected members to run a good city but it is the capital of the country and a city. To see the deprivation, the vandalism, the violence, and the taking of drugs openly on the street, is a shame. Although alarmed as I am, I am around long enough, as are we all, and we understand the social as well as the economic consequences in our city and we have to recognise that there are underlying issues. We are talking about people, circumstance, disadvantage and a whole range of issues. This is a holistic approach. Yes, it is about rebuilding and maintaining the fabric of our city but it is also about addressing why so many vulnerable people are on the edges, hanging around at night. Have they no place to go? There is a social dimension here, which is important. It is too easy to be critical and to say that it needs to be cleaned up. It needs to be cleaned up but the underlying issue is around the social issues of disadvantage, why people are there, and congregating there. I would like to feed into that issue.

It is important. We have asked before and we need a comprehensive debate about local government, on which I believe we are all agreed. Matched with that is local government funding. At a time when the citizens’ assembly is now doing its final report which will come before the Oireachtas, where we are talking about a mayor for Dublin, we need to look at the bigger issue of governance for everywhere, but particularly in Dublin city on this issue. A multifaceted approach and response is needed. Perhaps at some time we could have a debate, in particular on Dublin, but about local government generally as well.

Finally, I renew my call for a debate on agriculture at some time in the future in the Seanad. I thank the Cathaoirleach.