Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 611: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding his plans for the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders; his contacts with groups who have expressed concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10238/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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On 22 November last year, following Government approval, I published my proposals to deal with anti-social behaviour, including provision for anti-social behaviour orders, on my Department's website. In so far as anti-social behaviour by children is concerned, my colleague, Deputy Brian Lenihan, Minister of State with special responsibility for children obtained Government approval on 13 December 2005 for separate provisions relating to children as part of a package of measures concerning juvenile justice issues. These proposals are also on the Department's website.

I intend to introduce these proposals by way of Committee Stage amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is currently before the House. Work on the drafting of these proposals as formal amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill is progressing in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. I expect that work to be completed shortly. This will clear the way for Committee Stage to begin. I hope to proceed quickly thereafter to enactment of the Bill.

My proposals to deal with anti-social behaviour arise from the growing concerns in our communities about anti-social behaviour and the extent to which the quality of life of law-abiding citizens can be adversely affected by the behaviour of a minority. In formulating my proposals, I am conscious of the concerns that have been voiced by individuals and groups regarding, in particular, the application of anti-social behaviour orders in the United Kingdom, including their application to children. Accordingly, my proposals do not follow the UK model in every respect. For example, in the United Kingdom an anti-social behaviour order must apply for a minimum of two years, whereas my proposals provide for a maximum duration of two years. With regard to children, separate provisions fully integrated into the Children Act 2001, and thereby attracting all of the protections of that Act, are proposed.

Since the proposals were published late last year my Department has received two submissions from groups, namely, Mental Health Ireland and the Irish Human Rights Commission. These submissions are currently being examined by my officials.