Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the schedule being followed in respect of the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23382/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 which is awaiting Report Stage in this House contains provisions to deal with anti-social behaviour. The Bill, as agreed by the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights on 14 June 2006, empowers a senior member of the Gardaí to apply to the District Court by way of a civil procedure for an order which will prohibit an adult from behaving in an anti-social manner. Specially tailored provisions, fully integrated into the Children Act 2001, are being provided for young people engaged in anti-social behaviour.

The enactment of this Bill is a top priority and I hope to see it complete its passage through the Dáil and Seanad without any undue delay. Once the Bill is enacted I intend to consult (as provided for in section 1 of the Bill) with the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána before commencing the provisions relating to anti-social behaviour. The purpose of these consultations is to ensure that the Gardaí have the systems and personnel in place to operate these provisions and that any necessary arrangements about, for example, training for Gardaí in relation to these provisions, will have been addressed.