Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I say, the Government continues its active priority focus on combating antisocial behaviour. Of course, we appreciate the damaging effect it can have on the quality of life for local communities.

A range of commitments are set out in the programme for Government and the Justice Plan 2022. There is included, in 2023, a €5 million increase in the overtime budget for An Garda Síochána to more than €100 million to support high-visibility policing to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour. In line with a programme for Government commitment, the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, established the expert forum on antisocial behaviour. The forum will consider the effectiveness of existing legislation and propose new ways forward, including new powers for An Garda Síochána and additional interventions to support parenting of offenders. We keep all of these matters under review.

As the Deputy knows there is a big focus on diverting young people away from anti-social behaviour. We have the youth justice strategy and a number of other diversions projects to help them.

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