I raise an important issue, having regard to an email I received from a concerned citizen. It relates to the circumstances in Dublin whereby residents and businesspeople are affected negatively by what is happening at Grattan Hall, Mount Street, Grattan Court and adjacent areas. I want to know what the Government is going to do about this. The description I have indicates there is a large encampment of hundreds of young males, wearing hoodies, outside windows and doors of residents at Grattan Court and such places. The stench of urine is awful and the refuse situation has become a health hazard as the refuse companies are unable to collect the refuse of the residents. Postal deliveries are not being made by the relevant agencies and pedestrian access to Grattan Hall is being impeded by camps. Men are frequently seen urinating on the streets as they wait to get to a Portaloo. What is the Government going to do for the residents? Will the agencies and the Department involved meet the residents as a matter of urgency?

The situation in Mount Street is unacceptable to everyone. A number of Departments and statutory agencies have been working together to alleviate the problems experienced by those camping there as well as the residents, local businesses and workers. This includes offering accommodation to many of those encamped outside the building in question and in its environs, providing regular waste collection in the area, policing the area and assessing the situation from a public health point of view. Representatives of agencies have met in recent days to assess the situation further and determine the appropriate responses. Meetings are ongoing between the relevant Departments and agencies in an effort to resolve the situation.