Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 1997

Vol. 484 No. 3

Written Answers. - Housing Act, 1977.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

304 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any difficulties have been encountered by the Garda in the provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1997 regarding the supply of information to local authorities in cases involving serious anti-social behaviour. [21901/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1997, came into operation on 1 July 1997 and seeks to implement measures to assist local authorities in dealing with problems such as drug dealing and other forms of anti-social behaviour. Under section 15 of the Act the Garda Síochána are included as a "specified person" for the purpose of provision of information to local authorities. A Garda circular was issued in conjunction with the commencement of the Act outlining its provisions.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that clarification was sought from the Attorney General on several aspects of the new Act. The advice of the Attorney General is now to hand and a further circular was issued to the force on 3 December 1997 providing additional guidance on the matter. It is not policy to comment on the content of Garda circulars.

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that the Act has only been in operation for a relatively short period and the response of the various agencies involved with it is still being developed.