Written answers

Thursday, 13 November 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Anti-Social Behaviour

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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139. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the fines imposed for engaging in anti-social behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43717/14]

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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140. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the success of anti social behavioural orders; the numbers provided out for the years 2009 to 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43718/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together.

A range of strong legislative provisions are available to An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts, the Criminal Damage Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts, and there are a range of penalties provided including fines and terms of imprisonment in relation to the various offences.

I am advised that incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to An Garda Síochána are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge penalty notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will be dealt with appropriately in accordance the law. In addition, when a young person under the age of 18 comes to the attention of An Garda Síochána because of criminal activity, including anti-social behaviour, they may be dealt with under the Garda Diversion Programme.

Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, and Part 13 of the Act relates to anti-social behaviour by children. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour. For children, these range from a behaviour 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 to the making of a behaviour order by the Children Court, and for adults they provide for a behaviour warning and a civil order.

These incremental provisions are not operated in isolation, but are part of the wider range of legislative, policy and operational measures which target anti-social behaviour and to which I have already referred. All of these provisions and measures are kept under ongoing review by my Department, in consultation with other relevant Departments and the Garda authorities.

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the number of anti-social behaviour orders issued during the period referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.

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