THE controversial introduction of ASBOs for children as young as 12 sparked huge rifts among the government, state services and children’s organisations, with opinion remaining sharply divided.

CHILDREN’S rights organisations yesterday formed an unofficial watchdog to monitor the controversial introduction of anti-social behaviour (ASBO) laws for young people.

SENIOR gardaí have strongly backed antisocial behaviour orders, Asbos, saying there was a “definite need” for them.

A Garda Superintendent told the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today that a search warrant was issued for a house in Limerick city where seven men accused of membership of an illegal organisation were arrested after he briefed another senior garda officer in the city.