Finian McGrath
Question:135 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to deal with anti-social behaviour and binge drinking on streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10340/04]
View answerThursday, 1 April 2004
Questions (135)
Written answers
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a range of initiatives are ongoing in Dublin to prevent anti-social behaviour and other breaches of the law, including Operation Encounter, Operation Boulevard and the city centre policing initiative. The main thoroughfares in Dublin city centre, and its environs, are covered by a comprehensive system of CCTV cameras which are monitored from city centre Garda stations.
I have been further informed that mobile units, both uniform and plain clothes, carry out regular patrols in areas targeted by gardaí as susceptible to anti-social behaviour. Gardaí are aware of the problems associated with anti-social behaviour which can be experienced by some communities. Local communities have dedicated community gardaí assigned to their area who meet regularly with the local residents to offer advice and to try and address any difficulties being experienced by the local residents. The mountain bike unit also provide high visibility in areas of high density population. Patrols are further augmented by the divisional crime task force, detective units, special resource units and, in particular, traffic units. Garda management in the Dublin metropolitan region is satisfied that the personnel and resources currently in place in the region are adequate to meet the present policing needs.
The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000 provides for considerable strengthening of those provisions which already existed in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 on the supply or sale of intoxicating liquor to underage persons, including increases in fines for breaches of the law on underage drinking. Serious penalties, including the temporary closure of a licensed premises, can result where a licensee is convicted of the offence of selling intoxicating liquor to an under-age person.
Reductions in violence and public order offences followed the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act which give significant additional powers to the Garda to deal with public order and street crime,
Finally, it must be said that while legislative measures, together with initiatives such as an age card scheme, can help to curtail the problem of under age drinking, they cannot be viewed as the only solution. Dealing with the demand side of the under age drinking problem should not be seen as the province of the State agencies alone. In reality, it falls on all parties with an interest in this area, the drinks industry, the media, politicians, teachers and in particular, parents, to play their part in helping to address the problem of alcohol abuse, with special regard to young people.