Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 February 2010
325 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of antisocial behaviour orders that were handed down in each year since the introduction of the parent legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7781/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra326 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions for non-compliance with an antisocial behaviour order to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7784/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra341 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to a matter (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7979/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 325, 326 and 341 together.
Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act, which relates to anti-social behaviour by children, was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and finally to the making of a behaviour order by the Children's Court. With regard to adults, they include a warning and the making of a civil order by the court.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, up to 31 January, 2010, 1,461 behaviour warnings were issued to adults and 1,103 to children. Thirteen good behaviour contracts were issued to children. In addition, three civil orders (in respect of adults) and three behaviour orders (in respect of children) have been issued by the courts.
In setting up the regime the intention was that these interventions would address the problem behaviour. If they succeed, there will be no need to apply to the courts for an order. It is only if they fail to lead to a behaviour adjustment by the person in question, that a court order will be applied for.
In relation to statistics on prosecutions, I am not in a position to provide information sought at this time, but will do so as soon as it is available.
