Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 514: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider amending the law to permit local authorities to remove graffiti from private property in clear view from public roads within seven days of serving a notice on the occupier of their intention, instead of requiring the often cumbersome process of identifying all of the owners for a notice. [23382/05]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that the law obliging occupiers of property to maintain their property free from graffiti and dereliction is proving equal to the task of removing such problems; and if he has assessed the legal framework in other jurisdictions which have achieved best practise in this respect. [23383/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.

I am satisfied that local authorities have adequate powers under sections 19 and 20 of the Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2003 to tackle the problem of defacement, by writing or other marks, of property that is in, or visible from, a public place. Section 20 of the 1997 Act provides for the service of notices on occupiers rather than owners, and there are no plans to amend this provision.

Litter pollution legislation and management is kept under review by my Department by reference, where appropriate, to best practice in other countries.