Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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676. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to a rise in occurrences of antisocial behaviour in Portobello Harbour, Dublin (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26383/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the policing of any individual incidents of anti-social behaviour is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am aware that Dublin City Council closed off Portobello plaza last weekend as a result of the antisocial behaviour seen in the area.

As the restrictions are eased and the economy and society returns to normal, changes in the pattern of crime will require an appropriate response, and this will be kept under constant review by the Commissioner and his management team. Many crimes, like anti-social behaviour, tend to fluctuate seasonally and I understand that An Garda Síochána adapt their focus accordingly throughout the year.

All of us must hold firm in our adherence to public health regulations and make conscientious decisions regarding behaviour that will not adversely impact our communities. I would encourage the public to make the most of the outdoors this summer in a responsible manner.

As the Deputy may be aware, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, I have established an Expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour. This forum will consider the effectiveness of existing legislation and propose new ways forward, including new powers for An Garda Síochána and additional interventions to support parenting of offenders. A sub-group of the forum has already considered measures which can be taken with regard to the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes in communities and similar sub groups can also be established for other issues where appropriate.

Anti-social behaviour will also be considered by the Local Community Safety Partnerships which are to be set up in every local authority under the Department’s new community safety policy. These new structures, which will build upon and replace Joint Policing Committees, are a key part of the new Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, the general scheme of which was recently published by my Department. Three pilot partnerships are currently being established in Dublin’s north inner city, Longford and Waterford and will run for the next two years ahead of the nationwide rollout.