Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

We have had a very useful debate on this very important topic, last night and tonight. It has given us an opportunity on every side of the House to condemn all unlawful killings and to express sympathy with the families of those killed in this way, particularly with the two Polish families of Pawel Kalite and Mariusz Swajkos who were tragically killed 11 days ago.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, answered questions in the House yesterday. He also contributed to the debate here last night. A number of Members referred to alcohol and the damage it is causing, including the increase in anti-social behaviour right across the country. It is not that long ago since the House held a debate on extending the hours during which alcohol could be made available. At that stage, there seemed to be a consensus on all sides for longer drinking hours. Experience over a number of years, however, has persuaded many of us that a change is needed in that regard and we will have to restrict the outlets and opening hours currently available.

Deputy Flanagan made a wide-ranging contribution last night. He demanded more robust measures across a range of areas. There are already strong provisions in place to deal with the areas he listed. The Public Order Acts 1994 and 2003 and the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007 address loitering and intimidation. The Non-fatal Offences against the Persons Act 1997 provides for offences such as assault and syringe attacks. It also deals with offences such as harassment that are relevant to loitering and intimidation. The 2006 Criminal Justice Act makes it an offence to assault or threaten to assault medical personnel in a hospital as well as fire brigade and ambulance staff.

The Public Order Acts allow the District Court to prohibit a person from entering or being near a licensed or catering premises if he or she has been convicted of a public order offence. Furthermore, the Criminal Justice Act 2006 allows a court to impose a restriction on movement order on a person convicted of any of a range of public order offences or an offence such as assault or harassment. The courts have considerable flexibility regarding the nature of these orders. While the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, considers that these legislative provisions do not require further strengthening, the operation of the legislation is kept under review.

The Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides for the issue of a fixed charge penalty notice by the gardaí if a person has been intoxicated or engaged in disorderly conduct in a public place. An Garda Siochána is engaged in adapting its IT systems to enable this provision to be implemented, and implementation will take place this year.

As regards meaningful and real fines, the Government has introduced the Fines Bill 2007, which is currently before the House. When enacted, it will raise the level of all fines for summary offences imposed in the District Court to the value they had when the offences were first created. The Bill includes provision for payment of fines by instalment. Members on all sides referred to anti-social behaviour and the role CCTV can play in combating it. CCTV has the potential to play an important role in supporting the gardaí in fighting criminal and anti-social behaviour and helping to make communities safer. The Government is fully committed to the further expansion of CCTV in towns nationwide. There are currently 12 Garda operated CCTV systems in operation in towns around the country. Three new systems — Tullamore, Ballyfermot and Clondalkin — were brought into operation last year and work is under way on a further 15 systems.

In addition, the community-based CCTV scheme is being rolled out around the country and more than €7 million has been awarded in grants under the scheme so far. Local CCTV is already in operation in nine areas and systems are being put into operation in many others.

I thank Members for their contributions. In general, they have been very positive.

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