Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of anti-social behaviour orders deployed so far in 2009 in Dublin; the same details for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43045/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, 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, which relates 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 finally to the making of a behaviour order by the Children's Court.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2009 up to 31 October, 263 behaviour warnings were issued to adults and 215 to children. One good behaviour contract in respect of a child has been agreed.

I am further informed that in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2008, 203 behaviour warnings were issued to adults and 247 to children. Three good behaviour contracts were agreed in respect of children. In addition, one civil order was issued in respect of an adult.

In setting up the regime the intention was that these interventions - warnings, good behaviour contracts and referrals to the Juvenile Diversion Programme - would address the problem behaviour. If they succeed, there will be no need to apply to the courts for an order. It is only if they fail to lead to a behaviour adjustment by the person in question, that a court order will be applied for.