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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 5

Written Answers - Public Order Offences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

214 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures for the implementation of by-laws introduced recently by Dublin City Council to deal with intoxicating liquor and anti-social activity in public parks; if in light of the increasing public order problems it is the responsibility and intention of the Garda to prosecute those offenders who refuse to pay a fine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8500/03]

I understand that the Dublin Corporation by-laws prohibiting the consumption of intoxicating liquor in public places, including parks, came into operation on 6 October 2000. On 1 July 2002, the Dublin City Council parks and open spaces by-laws 2002 came into operation and created offences in public parks, including acts of anti-social behaviour.

I am informed that members of the Garda Síochána who detect breaches of these by-laws forward the details of the offender to Dublin City Council by means of a notification form. Dublin City Council then issues the fine to the offender and, if required, institutes a prosecution for non-payment. Where necessary, members of the Garda Síochána attend the court as prosecution witnesses to give evidence in such detections.
The Garda authorities consider that the by-laws have proven useful in addressing unwelcome activity in public parks, but, in certain circumstances, the Garda Síochána opts to use the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
I am assured that the by-laws are enforced by both the Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council and that the Garda authorities are committed to tackling public order problems, irrespective of where they occur.
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