Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in relation to the ease of access to alcohol and the link to a dramatic increase in teenager crime; his plans to tackle this growing problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21183/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government Alcohol Advisory Group which was established in January last to examine the public order aspects of the sale and consumption of alcohol submitted its Report on 31 March. It contains 31 recommendations for legislative and other reforms in areas covered by its terms of reference. On 22 April, the Government approved the drafting of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008 which contains proposals for urgent reforms to licensing law and public order legislation in response to certain recommendations in the Report. Both the Report and details of the proposed legislation were subsequently published.

Publication of the Bill was approved by the Government yesterday and I intend to present it to the Dail in the very near future. I am confident that this legislation will, when enacted, assist the Gardaí in combatting anti-social behaviour and public disorder.

The increase in the number of public disorder and anti-social behaviour offences is mainly due to more pro-active policing and the Garda Commissioner's vigorous enforcement policy in respect of such offences. In particular, it is due to pro-active policing of public parks and the targeting of public disorder 'hot-spots' in a concerted effort to tackle the concerns expressed by local residents. Extra foot, bicycle and mobile patrols have been directed by local Garda management in these areas.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 it is open to me to set policing priorities for the Gardaí. One of the priorities I have set for 2008 is to combat, particularly in cooperation with other agencies and the community generally, the problems of public disorder. I have specified that there should be particular emphasis on alcohol — related offences, including under age consumption of alcohol.

Statutory provisions are already in place to combat anti-social behaviour and public disorder. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 contains provisions dealing with drunkenness and disorderly conduct in public places and within licensed premises.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority area. The purpose of these committees is to provide a forum where members of the local authority and senior Garda officers may, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area. There are currently 29 such committees in operation in a pilot phase. In general, the experience to date has been positive with committees identifying and seeking to meet local needs. Following consultation with my colleagues, the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, I intend to issue revised guidelines to enable the roll out of the committees to take place shortly.