Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move:

That Seanad Éireann:

—notes the increasing incidence of anti-social behaviour in communities throughout the country and the growing public concern arising from the prevalence of anti-social behaviour;

—deplores the failure of the Government to implement any measures to deal effectively with the problem of anti-social behaviour;

—condemns the Government for failing to resource adequately the gardaí, through manpower and finance, with the result that they are currently unable to respond to many incidents of anti-social behaviour and enforce existing laws against perpetrators;

—welcomes recent statements made by Opposition groups which have set out various proposals aimed at dealing effectively with the scourge of anti-social behaviour, and calls for the development of an action plan, which would:

—fully and immediately commence and resource all provisions of the Children Act 2001;

—appoint a Minister of State to co-ordinate a cross-departmental sustained fight against anti-social behaviour;

—launch a major public awareness campaign on anti-social behaviour;

—establish a localised problem-solving court which would operate under the principles of restorative justice; and

—set up within cities and towns a substantial number of local community policing committees.

Anti-social behaviour hurts our society. Every day in many neighbourhoods, it spoils the sense of community, degrades the environment and reduces the quality of life. It chips away at our sense of security, our civic pride and peace of mind. Anti-social behaviour ranges from petty incivility to outright criminal damage to people and property.

While the Government has spoken much about law and order and anti-social behaviour, its actions have failed to match its words. Talk is cheap and the Government's inactivity has wreaked havoc in many parts of the State, where people are afraid to walk the streets at night and where elderly people and families feel imprisoned in their homes because of intimidation and fear of gangs of thugs and louts congregating in their estates. Failure to resource adequately the Garda in manpower and finance, has resulted in the force being unable to respond to many incidents of anti-social behaviour and enforce existing laws against perpetrators. A recent Millward Brown IMS poll revealed that 83% of the population does not believe young people are safe on our streets. The Central Statistics Office revealed that one in 20 households, some 250,000 in total, has experienced vandalism. These statistics are an alarming indictment of the Government and cannot be ignored.

The Minster for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Michael McDowell, and sections of the media have focused on anti-social behaviour orders, ASBOs, as the solution to anti-social behaviour on our streets. While the Fine Gael Party believes ASBOs can play a part in tackling the problem, they can only be seen as a small part of a designated strategy. That strategy must see greater co-operation between the community and the Garda at local level and changes to Garda rostering. Garda rostering requires a major review to ensure gardaí are on duty where and when they are most needed.

Community policing must be resourced sufficiently. Within the force it must be seen as important and adequate promotion prospects must apply. How often is it the case where a shortage in any area of Garda manpower results in the community policeman or woman being the first to be withdrawn and allocated to other duties? This culture cannot continue if we are to build lasting trust between the Garda and communities in the battle against crime and anti-social behaviour.

Recently on a visit to Scotland Yard with Oireachtas colleagues, I saw at first hand the value the Metropolitan Police places on community policing and the resources put into it. We visited the London Borough of Bexley where a community safety strategy has been developed, leading to a reduction in youth and alcohol-related disorder and crime in general. The symptoms of crime are examined and preventative measures are put in place. It is important that Ireland examines and learns from best practice in community policing in other countries.

Great importance is placed on community policing by other forces. A sergeant and several constables will be based in various areas. A visible police presence working in a community is a proven crime deterrent. For example, the community police in Bexley are rostered to visit the local schools when people are bringing and collecting their children. It is a way of getting information and knowing what is happening in the community. However, a similar situation does not exist with community policing in Ireland. It must be further developed and seen by gardaí as an area with promotional prospects rather than as a gap-filling assignment.

Last month, the Fine Gael Party launched a national campaign on anti-social behaviour, as did the Labour Party. Fine Gael believes it is time for communities to be given back to the people and the scourge of anti-social behaviour ended. Our campaign will tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour on five distinct fronts. These will involve a tougher, targeted approach to anti-social behaviour, empowering our communities, changing the way the Garda works to achieve maximum efficiency and putting in place preventative measures to deter others from engaging in this destructive cycle of behaviour. All these measures should be facilitated through an overall framework of major and radical initiatives at national level, including the appointment of a Minister of State who would co-ordinate, lead and drive an anti-social behaviour campaign.

We refuse to ignore anti-social behaviour and will stand against it, working side by side with those who refuse to tolerate harassment or intimidation of their neighbours or defacement of our shared public space. We intend to end the culture of poverty and low aspiration that fuels much anti-social behaviour. We need to promote programmes to help marginalised young people discover their role in society and reach their full potential, but at the same time we will punish those who flout the rules. We will make it clear to anyone engaged in anti-social behaviour that there will be consequences. It is the perpetrators, not the law-abiding citizens and community, who must pay the price.

The absence of a central anti-social behaviour fund means moneys used to tackle the problem are currently resourced from several areas of Government, and there is no coherent analysis of their effectiveness. Current funding appears to stand at approximately €25 million. Additional funding will be needed to tackle anti-social behaviour but that funding must be linked to clear policies, targets and outcomes.

There are a number of sources where additional funding is possible. For example, under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Criminal Assets Bureau holds €73 million. Additional funding could come from moneys received under the dormant accounts fund and the national lottery. On-the-spot fines for anti-social behaviour would result in a steady stream of income which could be used to fund the fight against anti-social behaviour.

Constructive proposals from a number of sources have been made to the Minster. When will he be in a position to introduce legislation to tackle anti-social behaviour? There are a number of provisions in the Children Act 2001 which have not yet been acted on. They involve important aspects such as parental control and will clearly require funding. We are providing the Minister with constructive suggestions on getting the funding. It appears that the Government is not even committed to the Children Act, passed four years ago, or convinced of the policies which it has introduced.

We are being constructive in our suggestions. The time for talk and press releases is gone. What we now need is action which will restore peace to our communities, ravaged by anti-social behaviour. We hope that when it comes to introducing this legislation, the Minister's actions will speak louder than his words.