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Anti-Social Behaviour

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Questions (682)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

682. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice the progress made in setting up a special expert forum on antisocial behaviours to consider the effectiveness of existing legislation and to propose new ways forward including the provision of new powers for An Garda Síochána and additional interventions to support parenting of offenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44799/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government contains a number of commitments to build stronger, safer communities. A number of actions have been identified within this area and one of those is the establishment of an expert Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour.

The first meeting of the Forum on Anti-Social Behaviour was chaired by my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for Law Reform, James Browne TD, on 27 October. This was an initial meeting and more detailed terms of reference and a programme of work are in development.

There are potential areas of overlap with the Youth Justice Strategy, which is at an advanced stage

of preparation, and this will be taken into account in deciding the particular areas of focus for the forum. The Youth Justice Strategy is another action arising from the Programme for Government commitment and I hope to bring the Strategy to Government for approval with a view to publication as soon as possible.

In line with principles described by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, these actions recognise that policing is not solely the responsibility of the Gardaí and that a holistic approach across Government, with supportive actions taken by the various agencies and stakeholders in this area, is required to adequately address the concerns of residents in our communities that are adversely affected by anti-social behaviour.

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