Johnny Brady (Meath, Fianna Fail)

Perhaps Fine Gael is reluctant to support the Government's stance because it is more interested in ensuring that it does not upset some of its new pals in the Labour Party, who cannot seem to agree among themselves on the issue, and in the Green Party, who are strongly opposed to anti-social behaviour orders, than it is in dealing with the issues which are blighting communities across the country.

The proposed amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 represent a fair and balanced response to this country's pressing and concerning social problems. There is a minority of parents who blame gardaí, teachers, the clergy, the Government and politicians of all parties rather than themselves for the misbehaviour of their children. When I am driving through some towns between 10 p.m. and midnight, when it is too late for children to be outdoors, it grieves me to see ten, 11 or 12 year old youngsters roaming the streets. I often ask myself where their parents, who do not seem to be taking any responsibility for them, are. I thank God that such parents are in a minority, but their failures are leading to serious problems like anti-social behaviour. Elderly people in towns and villages and in the countryside are being terrorised. A law should be introduced to ensure that the parents of children who engage in such activities are fined or imprisoned if they are not fit and capable of looking after their youngsters. It is unfortunate that I must say that. I thank God that the people who act in such an irresponsible manner constitute no more than a minority.

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