Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. In the past 20 years, our communities have undergone considerable transformations. Our newfound prosperity has resulted in much that is to be welcomed, but changing lifestyles have brought new and often difficult challenges. Daily headlines of violent crimes such as murders, gangland shootings and other crimes are well documented and there seems to be no deterrent for criminals. The Government needs an effective programme of action to bring to justice the dangerous criminals terrorising our communities.

While serious crime is widespread, the everyday problem of anti-social behaviour is making the lives of many people almost unbearable. Anti-social behaviour can hold a community to ransom. Behaviour that can start out as a mere nuisance can quickly lead to petty crime and criminal damage. Daily, I meet people affected by all kinds of bullying by groups of youths, many of whom are as young as nine years of age. That people are being terrorised and do not feel safe in their homes is unacceptable.

Sadly, the most vulnerable in our society, the easy targets, are the elderly. I know many elderly residents whose homes are fortresses because of anti-social behaviour. I could document many cases where a visit to the local shop after 6 o'clock is impossible. Verbal harassment, loud music, loitering, drinking and drug-taking have reached an all-time high in many communities. Even the once friendly family pet has become a weapon. Why must those who have given so much to our society endure isolation and intimidation? Have we become a society of hear all, see all and do nothing?

One of the main ingredients for tackling anti-social behaviour is at our disposal, namely, community policing. All the evidence shows that community policing works and that it is the best way to combat anti-social behaviour, street violence and overall criminal behaviour. However, the current system must be built on and expanded to create a safer environment on our streets. We need real and effective community policing through engagement with local young people. The key to community policing is partnership and shared responsibility between the community and the Garda. Community policing is getting to the heart of the community, getting to know the youths on the street corner, dropping into youth clubs and being on first name bases with the locals.

Community gardaí must stay in one community without changing regularly if there is to be continuity. This would help to develop a good relationship between the Garda and the youths. Community gardaí need to become the new frontline of policing because they are the ones making a difference, but there is a lack of community gardaí. Currently, a small number of men and women take on a significant task. In my constituency of Dublin South-Central, which has a population of 122,000, there are 21 community gardaí, six in Sundrive Road, six in Crumlin, six in Ballyfermot and three in Inchicore. On average, there is one community garda for every 6,000 residents. How can this be effective? The Government's long-promised resources have not been delivered.

As a member of a policing forum in my area, I meet community gardaí and the local residents to whom it is a safe haven because their voices can be heard by their local community gardaí. Often, the forum is involved in raising crime issues in their community. The majority of anti-social behaviour goes unreported and uninvestigated because it is considered more of a nuisance than unlawful. People need to know that they can go to the Garda and that their problems will be dealt with.

The Criminal Justice Act 2006 led to the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders earlier this year. How many such orders have been put into effect? As a citizen who believes in youth services and who has worked her entire life among communities, I do not want to criminalise young people, but they must be held responsible when they commit an offence.

I compliment the Garda Síochána on its work, but its resources are limited and anti-social behaviour is at the bottom of its list of priorities. Parents must take responsibility for their underage children causing mayhem in our communities.

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