Anti-social behaviour statutory instrument
Robert Troy asks when a statutory instrument will help local authorities address estates affected by anti-social behaviour and also seeks publication of a child-protection rapporteur’s report. The Taoiseach has sought updates from the relevant Departments and promises to report back.
You are all right, a Cheann Comhairle. I have a question for the Taoiseach which relates to a question I asked before the break last week. The Department of Justice and Equality is to issue a statutory instrument which will facilitate-----
Comment on this
-----local authorities in dealing with families who are engaged in anti-social behaviour. It is a particular problem in a number of estates in my constituency. The councils, having gone through all the procedures and brought these families to task or to court, are not being facilitated. They are awaiting a statutory instrument from the Department of Justice and Equality. Will the Taoiseach advise the House when the statutory instrument will be signed by the Minister? I also asked a number of weeks ago about the independent Government rapporteur on child protection. Every year he lays his annual report before the Houses of the Oireachtas. I understand the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has the 2014 report since February. We are now in November and still awaiting it. This year's report will be with the Minister and we will not have had an opportunity to discuss the 2014 report. Will the Taoiseach advise me when that report will be laid before the Houses?
Comment on this
I notified the Department of Justice and Equality that Deputy Troy raised the matter of the statutory instrument concerning anti-social behaviour. I have not had a final communication back yet but I will advise Deputy Troy when I have. I will speak to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on the report of the special rapporteur and will advise the Deputy when it is to be published.