Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I have to say that in most cases I find the line between antisocial behaviour and criminal activity is very thin. For those who experience antisocial behaviour, which I am sure the Deputy has to deal with in his constituency, it can be very intimidating and difficult but I accept some activity may well be outside the parameters of criminality.

We allowed a motion to be passed here for further discussion within the House but, as far as I am aware, the focus of the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, at the moment is on continuing to support youth diversion programmes. I was at an event the Minister did at Belvedere Youth Club recently in relation to that. He is working to support efforts in our schools and to continue to ensure our gardaí have the resources and support they need to deal with behaviour that is truly criminal. For many young people, in particular, who are involved in this kind of activity, the response is not purely related to justice and is not purely from our policing authorities. It needs to be supported by what happens in our schools. That is my understanding of what the Ministers, Deputies O’Callaghan, Foley and McEntee, are currently doing.

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