Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
156. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the fear and frustration in communities which are victims of antisocial and criminal behaviour in cities here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27642/21]
View answerI am very conscious of how anti-social behaviour affects the quality of life for many local communities.
My Department's Justice Plan 2021 contains a number of commitments to tackle anti-social behaviour.
In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, Minister of State Browne has established a special expert forum on antisocial behaviour. A subgroup of this forum has already helped to develop a new scheme to tackle the misuse of scramblers and quadbikes and similar sub groups can also be established for other issues where appropriate.
On 15 April last, my Department launched the new Youth Justice Strategy 2021-2027 which aims to respond collaboratively and effectively to the situation of vulnerable children and young people, with a strong focus on diverting them away from offending, and building supports to provide prevention and early intervention.
Anti-social behaviour will also be tackled by Local Community Safety Partnerships which are to be set up in every local authority under my Department’s new community safety policy. Three pilot partnerships are currently being established in Dublin’s north inner city, Longford and Waterford and will run for the next two years, ahead of the nationwide rollout.
The safety of the public is the mission of An Garda Síochána and Community Gardaí are present in, and available to, all communities. There is close ongoing liaison with community leaders and schools to discourage anti-social behaviour, along with engagement with residents associations and communities to drive a partnership response to issues. I would strongly encourage any member of the public with concerns about any criminal activity to report these to their local Gardaí as soon as possible.
