Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 February 2010
89 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of behaviour orders that have been handed down to children each year to date in 2010 in the context of anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8207/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra90 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil orders that have been handed down to adults each year to date in 2010 in the context of anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8208/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 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.
