John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

They are not necessary in the trade and I doubt that society will accept them. Little analysis has been carried out of what is happening in society and in the communities we represent.

If Ministers listened to the general debates that take place on these issues in this House, blunt instruments such as this would not be used to deal with problems. There is no regard even for young children. In England, photographs of young children are distributed in the housing estates to implement anti-social behaviour orders. Is that what we want here? I think not. Consider that in the context of the all-night drinking sessions that take place. If gardaí were supported, the vandalism and anti-social behaviour would ultimately be defeated.

Many of the complaints that arrive on the desks of superintendents and gardaí do not get a response because the Garda simply does not have the force to respond. Kilkenny has one of the new bicycle squads. They are a great idea. Gardaí are able to get around to the various communities and flashpoints in housing estates late at night and particularly at weekends. They can deal with problems in a sensible way. If such initiatives were extended and properly funded, local authorities were properly funded for the management of their estates and community groups were assisted and funded, there would be less anti-social behaviour.

There is no need for café bars. It would be helpful to the trade and to communities if the Minister were to state clearly that this idea will be abandoned. It would be worthwhile.

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