John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of ASBOs that have now been served on adults and juveniles in Clondalkin and in Lucan since their introduction. [18627/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and to the making of a behaviour order by the Children Court.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been five adult behaviour warnings issued in Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Garda Division, which includes Clondalkin and Lucan, from 1 January, 2007 to 31 May, 2007. There have been no child behaviour warnings, civil orders, or behaviour orders issued in the DMR West Division from 1 March, 2007 to 31 May, 2007.

With regard to both adult and children, a behaviour warning remains in place for three months from date of issue. With regard to children specifically, a good behaviour contract lasts for six months, but may be renewed for a further three months. The approach which the legislation adopts is to make every effort for the child and his or her parents or guardian to address the child's behavioural problems in a way that minimises contact with the criminal justice system. The Act ensures that there is full parental involvement at all relevant stages. It is therefore highly unlikely that a Garda officer would apply for a civil order or a behaviour order before the end of these periods.