David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the division, it is a matter for the chief superintendent of the division to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and specific needs. Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and it has a proud record of engagement with communities to address their concerns and successfully tackle the type of anti-social behaviour referred to by the Senator. There are a range of strong legislative provisions available to An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the current Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts, the Criminal Damage Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. There are also the incremental provisions contained in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 which provide for warnings and civil proceedings in regard to anti-social behaviour by adults. Part 13 of the Act provides for warnings, good behaviour contracts and civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by children.

Over the last few years, unprecedented resources have been made available to the Garda Commissioner, which provide him with the resources to increase Garda visibility in our communities and to support all Garda activity, including tackling anti-social behaviour.