Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 1 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 1

Written Answers. - Anti-social Behaviour.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

39 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the education system has failed society due to the prevalent anti-social behaviour in public places by the younger generation; the plans, if any, he has to revamp the system in an attempt to give people a better quality of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25181/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I do not consider that the anti-social behaviour of a small minority of our young people justifies the Deputy's assertion regarding the younger generation. Nor do I consider that such behaviour can be attributed to a failure of the education system.

Indeed, I would suggest that the vast majority of our young people are to be commended for the sense of responsibility and community awareness which they repeatedly demonstrate despite the enormous negative pressures to which they are exposed on a daily basis.

The House will recognise that anti-social behaviour is by no means the sole preserve of our younger generation. It will also recognise that such behaviour among young people, where it does occur, can stem from a variety of factors, many of which are not amenable to correction solely through educational interventions.

However, the Deputy is correct in so far as his question points to the important role which education can undoubtedly play in fostering positive attitudes and behaviours on the part of young people in our society. Both the primary and second-level curricula already place significant emphasis on these areas through social, personal and health education programmes delivered in all schools. In addition, very significant resources are already deployed in supporting pupils who are disadvantaged within the education system.

As far as children engaging in more serious forms of anti-social behaviour are concerned, I would draw attention to two very important pieces of legislation which are currently before the House and which in my view will have a very positive impact on those young people who engage in anti-social behaviour and who come into conflict with the law as a result.

The first of these is the Education (Welfare) Bill which will bring about a fundamental change in our approach to the problem of non-school attendance and early school leaving. The House will recognise that non-attendance at school can often be an early indicator of emerging difficulties in the lives of young people.

The second is the Children Bill, 1999 which will introduce a comprehensive range of measures aimed at deflecting children away from anti-social and criminal behaviour through a range of interventions aimed at addressing the fundamental problems underlying such behaviours. The House will have an opportunity to discuss both of these Bills in the near future.

With regard to the Deputy's concern to give the people of the country a better quality of life, I would suggest that the social and economic progress which has been achieved under this Government and the manner in which the benefits are being spread across all strata of society provides ample evidence of achievement in this area.