Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the growing and on-going public concern arising from increasing levels of anti-social behaviour in many areas throughout the country culminating in some instances of families being forced to leave their homes; if action can be taken to curtail this menace which is of increasing concern to older persons and parents of young children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24749/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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1I am very aware of the distress that anti-social behaviour and low level crime can cause to communities.

There are strong legislative provisions in place to combat anti-social behaviour in communities. These include provisions to deal with alcohol abuse, its effect on public order and late night street violence.

In its Policing Plan for 2011, An Garda Síochána has prioritised actions to achieve the maximum levels of safety for local communities and to provide a community policing service which meets the demands of the public. The Plan identifies a range of strategies which may be deployed to counter anti-social activities, including targeted operations; high visibility patrols; deployment of appropriate resources to identified public order hotspots in respect of alcohol and drug related behaviour and youth crime; and the full utilisation of existing legislation.

Any instances of families being forced to leave their homes would be taken extremely seriously by An Garda Síochána, and such serious criminal behaviour will be tackled resolutely.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to attach a higher priority to community policing and that, within available resources, there is a higher Garda visibility in the local neighbourhoods worst affected. An Garda Síochána operates a new model of Community Policing which aims at building upon and enhancing good community policing practice. Clear objectives are set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies such as Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert.

One of the key actions in the Garda Policing Plan is an improved understanding of and responsiveness to community needs. Gardaí play an essential role in the operation of Joint Policing Committees and other local fora, which provide important channels for engagement between the An Garda Síochána, local authorities and community representatives. In this way there is clearer communication about local concerns and Garda strategies employed to address them. This Government is committed to building on such existing partnerships and fora, and my Department has commenced work, with An Garda Síochána and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, on bringing this about.