Antisocial Behaviour

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022

Wednesday, 4 May 2022

Questions (172)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

172. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are currently any Memos of Understanding in respect of housing agreed between local authorities and An Garda Síochána that allows both agencies to work collaboratively to collate information on anti-social housing issues in order for local authorities to manage their stock appropriately to ensure anti-social behaviour within estates is targeted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22216/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Local authorities are responsible under the Housing Acts for managing and maintaining their housing stock and managing their estates, including taking appropriate measures to counter anti-social behaviour. Accordingly, collaborative working arrangements with An Garda Síochána on matters relating to anti-social behaviour by social housing tenants, including Memoranda of Understanding, are generally a matter for local authorities and my Department has no role in this regard.

That said, there is ongoing engagement between An Garda Síochána and local authorities. An Garda Síochána works collaboratively with local authorities through the Joint Policing Committees, while Community Gardaí also liaise with the relevant local authority staff, including Housing Tenant Liaison Officers, on such matters.