Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 915: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the provision of anti-social behaviour teams as outlined in the programme for Government; the areas in which these teams are in place; the time-frame for the rolling out of these teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34196/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I attach a high priority to the combating of anti-social behaviour. One of the priorities I have set for An Garda Síochána for 2008 under section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 is to combat, particularly in cooperation with other agencies and the community generally, the problems of public disorder with particular emphasis on alcohol related behaviour (including underage drinking) and socially disadvantaged communities especially through utilisation of the legal mechanisms being made available.

To this end An Garda Síochána are driving forward the establishment of interagency activities against anti-social behaviour, including the deployment of CCTV in urban areas. In addition, they are identifying local public order and anti-social behaviour hot spots and developing responsive actions and plans.

The Agreed Programme for Government contains a wide range of commitments to combat anti-social behaviour. One of these commitments is the creation of Anti-social Behaviour Action Teams in each local authority area. My Department, in consultation with the relevant agencies, is examining the experience of such teams in other jurisdictions, with a view to drawing up proposals to implement this measure.