Written answers

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Department of Justice and Equality

Anti-Social Behaviour

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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240. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he is reviewing the anti-social behaviour orders in view of the increased numbers of violent behaviour in communities across Dublin and other cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26299/18]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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An Garda Síochána remains committed to tackling public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities to reduce this type of behaviour and enhance community safety. The Garda approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities, businesses (in particular the night-time economy) and other stakeholders to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour.

I am, of course, aware of the introduction of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in the U.K., which replaces 'traditional' ASBOs with an injunction (a civil order) and a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).  I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department keep all legislation under constant review and will also continue to monitor the implementation of the new measures adopted in the U.K.  Of course, if the Deputy has any specific proposals that he wishes to make in relation to ASBOs, or indeed the legislation governing them, I would be happy to examine them.

In setting up the ASBO regime in Ireland back in 2007, these interventions - warnings, good behaviour contracts and referrals to the Juvenile Diversion Programme - were intended to address the problem behaviour.  The rationale was that if they succeeded, there would be no need to apply to the courts for an order.  It was only if they failed to lead to a behaviour adjustment by the person in question that a court order would then be applied for.

It is widely acknowledged that the use of ASBOs is only suitable in certain circumstances and indeed it is only one crime prevention option open to An Garda Síochána in tackling this type of behaviour.  As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána already employs a wide range of operational measures aimed at tackling public-order offences and anti-social behaviour. These measures are underpinned by a comprehensive legal framework.  Of course, addressing local community concerns in relation to public order and anti-social behaviour is a key focus in An Garda Síochána's National Community Policing Model and a range of strong legislative provisions are available to An Garda Síochána in this regard, including those under:

- the Criminal Damage Act 1991;

- Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994;

- the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003; and

- the Intoxicating Liquor Acts 2003 and 2008.

While An Garda Síochána will continue to tackle this problem head-on, they cannot eradicate the problem of anti-social behaviour alone. In relation to our young, it is up to us all, particularly the parents and guardians, to ensure that children are brought up to be respectful and law-abiding. These lessons begin in the home, are further reinforced in our schools and then by society in general. We must all work together to ensure that such behaviour is never normalised and is tackled immediately.

Anti-social behaviour has no place in a civilised society. For its part, the Government remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána have all the necessary resources to tackle all forms of criminality in our communities. In this context, the Deputy will be aware that a very substantial budget of €1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018 and €98.5m has been provided for Garda overtime for 2018, which inter alia supports Garda activity to tackle these types of problems.

Clearly, Garda visibility is very important and this Government remains committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime.  To this end, the House will be aware that 800 Garda trainees are scheduled to attest during 2018, some 200 of whom attested in March, with a further 200 attesting recently. The new recruits are visible proof of the Government’s commitment to an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 including 15,000 Garda members.

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