Vow to tackle anti-social behaviour

FINE GAEL would appoint a dedicated minister and give him or her funding of €50 million a year to combat anti-social behaviour.

The minister of state would work in the Department of an Taoiseach, and have “specific responsibility for co-ordinating and driving a campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour,” justice spokesman Jim O’Keeffe said.

Responsibility for this issue is currently scattered across several departments.

Mr O’Keeffe also outlined a range of measures the party would introduce to combat the problem.

These include:

* Electronic tagging for offenders.

* On-the-spot fines (payable by parents if necessary).

* Curfew orders.

* Repair orders.

* Increased garda powers to curb loitering and intimidation by groups.

* A ban on the sale of spraypaint to under-18s.

* Increased fines for the illegal sale of alcohol.