Emer Higgins
Question:180. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of antisocial behaviour orders issued in an area (details supplied). [6098/21]
View answerThursday, 4 February 2021
Questions (180)
Written answers
I have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter but it was unfortunately not possible to compile it in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
SUBSTANTIVE ANSWER: I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 180 for answer on 4 February 2021, in which you requested the number of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued in Dublin mid west. You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.
In setting up the ASBO regime back in 2007, these interventions - warnings, good behaviour contracts and referrals to the Juvenile Diversion Programme - were intended to address this antisocial behaviour. The rationale was that if they succeeded, there would be no need to apply to the courts for an order. It was only if they failed to lead to a behaviour adjustment by the person in question that a court order would then be applied for.
It is widely acknowledged the use of ASBOs is only suitable in certain circumstances and indeed it is only one crime prevention option open to An Garda Síochána in tackling this type of crime. As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána already employs a wide range of operational measures aimed at tackling public-order offences and anti-social behaviour. These measures are underpinned by a comprehensive legal framework. Of course, addressing local community concerns in relation to public order and anti-social behaviour is a key focus in An Garda Síochána's National Community Policing Model and a range of strong legislative provisions are available to An Garda Síochána in this regard, including those under:
- the Criminal Damage Act 1991;
- Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994;
- the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003; and
- the Intoxicating Liquor Acts 2003 and 2008.
All forms of anti-social behaviour have no place in a civilised society. For its part, the Government remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána have all the necessary resources to tackle all forms of criminality in our communities. In this context, the Deputy will be aware that An Garda Síochána has been allocated an unprecedented budget of €1.952 billion for 2021. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff. As a result, there are now approximately 14,600 Garda members and over 3,000 Garda staff nationwide. Budget 2021 will allow for the recruitment of up to 620 new Gardaí and an extra 500 Garda staff, subject to public health restrictions governing the operation of the Garda College, Templemore.
The Government is also committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. A search of the PULSE database was conducted on 2nd February 2021 for incidents matching the below types for the period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2020 and for the Garda Stations of Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Lucan and Ronanstown:
Behaviour Orders (Children)
Behaviour Warnings (Adult)
Behaviour Warnings (Children)
Based on the numbers returned, a total was aggregated for the four Garda Stations for each year (2019 and 2020) as follows:
|
Behaviour Warnings/Orders Issued |
||
|
Area |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Dublin Mid-West* |
< 10 |
29 |
* Garda Stations of Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Lucan and Ronanstown combined
Please be aware that these figures are based on incidents recorded on PULSE as of 2nd February, 2021; they are operational and may be liable to change.
I hope this information is of assistance.