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Anti-Social Behaviour

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Questions (360, 366, 376)

Seán Kenny

Question:

360. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the nature of the public order disturbance in Howth, County Dublin, on Saturday 8 June 2013; the action taken by An Garda Síochána; if there were any injuries during the disturbance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28629/13]

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Finian McGrath

Question:

366. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action that was taken regarding the recent anti-social behaviour in Howth, County Dublin and on the number 17A bus over the weekend of 8/9 June, 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28754/13]

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Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

376. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide Dáil Éireann with a report of the incidents of anti-social behaviour in Howth, County Dublin, last weekend; and the remedies he plans to use to address this. [28910/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 360, 366 and 376 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Raheny Garda District. Local Garda management is aware of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area during the period referred to by the Deputy. I am further informed that on Tuesday, 4 June 2013, a large group of up to 200 youths gathered on the East Pier in Howth. The majority of youths were well behaved, however approximately 30 youths had consumed alcohol. Local Gardaí attached to Howth Garda Station monitored and patrolled the area and seized alcohol from youths and the youths concerned were dispersed. Local businesses were contacted by Gardaí to appraise them of the situation and management at the local Supermarket agreed to remove alcohol from display. Gardaí liaised with Fingal County Council to facilitate vehicular access to the beach to allow Gardaí to patrol same. Liaison is continuing with the Howth Harbour Master to address the issues raised. Three persons were arrested and were dealt with by way of the juvenile diversion programme. Gardaí remained on duty until all the youths had dispersed.

On Saturday, 8 June 2013, an operation was mounted by Gardaí as a result of information contained on Facebook suggesting a 'Rave' on Burrow Beach, Sutton. An Operational Policing Plan was put in place and additional resources were assigned to the Howth Garda Sub-District under direct supervision of the Superintendent, Raheny. Large amounts of alcohol were seized at local Dart stations and checkpoints were set up near the beach area. There were five Public Order Offences, four of which will be dealt with by way of juvenile referral and one by way of summons. There were no incidents of injury to persons or property reported. Gardaí liaised with Fingal County Council and Iarnrod Eireann during this operation.

Garda Operation Irene is a Regional Operational Plan which commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region on 1 June, 2013 and will continue until the 31 August, 2013. The operation incorporates a range of policing actions to be implemented at identified “hot-spots”, which with the advent of milder weather, longer evenings and school holidays, may experience an upsurge in anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol consumption. This is a targeted operation to combat under-age alcohol consumption and consumption of alcohol in public spaces throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region through the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol as well as relevant public order legislation.

An Garda Síochána is aware of issues which can be associated with periods of extended good weather. An Garda Síochána continues to meet these challenges and deploy additional resources where necessary. Local Garda management in the areas concerned is satisfied that sufficient resources were available to deal with instances of public disorder and anti-social behaviour.

An Garda Síochána is also satisfied that sufficient legislation exists to deal with such instances. These include measures under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides Gardaí with powers to deal with anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking, including exclusion orders in respect of premises and closure orders for licensed premises and catering outlets following anti-social behaviour related offences. In addition, the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 gives further powers to Gardaí to tackle the misuse of alcohol, including the power to seize alcohol in the possession of an under 18 year old which they suspect is for consumption in a public place. Gardaí may can also seize alcohol to forestall public disorder or damage to property. Fixed charge notices may be issued for the offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place. This option has the benefit of a more efficient use of Garda and Court resources, while also allowing an offender who complies with the notice to avoid a possible criminal record.

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