Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to develop an anti-social behaviour strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29731/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am very conscious that, notwithstanding the fact that public order offences decreased by 10.8% during 2011, anti-social behaviour causes great distress and the Programme for Government underscores our commitment to address this problem. The Garda Síochána Policing Plan for 2012 includes as key actions measures to reduce public disorder and criminal damage including

· identified locations

· continue proactive responses to public disorder including identifying anti-social behaviour 'hot spots' and deploying appropriate resources to d liaison with the licensed trade and those involved in the management of the night time economy

· improving the feeling of safety in the community through the deployment of targeted high visibility patrols

These strategies are supported by the Garda National Model of Community Policing and by local Garda management configuring policing responses to local conditions. Clear objectives are set by Garda management, such as high visibility in the community and ease of contact by members of the public. Enhanced engagement is promoted with partnership approaches to improving community safety and reducing anti-social behaviour such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch. The Joint Policing Committees and Local Policing Fora provide a further mechanism whereby An Garda Síochána, the local authority, together with elected and community representatives can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of an area, including how best anti-social behaviour can be addressed.

An Garda Síochána uses a range of legislative provisions in order to address anti-social behaviour and public order incidents when they occur, including of course the bringing of prosecutions where appropriate. These include provisions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts which give Gardaí powers to deal with street violence and anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking. Powers include the seizure of alcohol to prevent underage drinking in public places and to forestall public disorder or damage to property. Gardaí may also issue fixed charge notices for the offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place. These are a more efficient use of Garda resources and avoid court proceedings when an offender pays the penalty.

Persons who engage in anti-social behaviour may also be subject to the incremental procedures under the Criminal Justice Act 2006. For children, these include a Garda warning, a good behaviour contract, referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and finally the making of a behaviour order by the Children Court. With regard to adults, they include a warning and the making of a civil order by the court.

In addition to keeping the existing range of measures and policies under general review, later this year I intend to publish a White Paper on Crime, incorporating a National Anti-Crime Strategy. The Strategy will act as a overall framework strategy within which all measures to tackle crime, including anti-social behaviour, will be drawn together and which will assist in planning and coordinating the work of all relevant agencies to enhance the safety of our communities into the future.