Behaviour warnings issued to 21 adults

MORE than 20 adults have been issued with new behaviour warnings in a bid to combat anti-social activities.

The warnings are the first stage of anti-social behaviours orders (ASBOs), which were introduced for adults on January 1 this year.

No behaviour orders have so far been issued against children, according to the garda figures. ASBOs were brought in for children on March 1.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said: “I am informed by the garda authorities that the number of behaviour warnings recorded since January 1, 2007, is 21.”

He said a behaviour warning remains in place for three months from date of issue before the ASBO procedure progressed.

A behaviour warning informs the person concerned that failure to comply with the demand may result in an application to the courts for a civil order.

If the warning, or a series of warnings, do not result in the person changing his behaviour, a garda superintendent may apply to the district court for a civil order.

This prohibits the person from doing anything specified in the order, which can last for a maximum of two years.

If the order is breached, the person is liable to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or a maximum of six months in jail or both.

The Tánaiste said no civil orders had so far been sought, nor had any behaviour warnings been issued, to children.

The system in relation to children is similar to that for adults, but is more drawn out, providing additional opportunities for the child to address their behaviour.

This ranges from a warning, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and to the making of a behaviour order by the Children Court.

A good behaviour contract for a child lasts for six months, but can be renewed for another three months.

If the child breaches the order he or she is liable to a fine up to €800 or detention in a children detention school for a maximum of three months or both.

“The whole approach which the legislation adopts is to make every effort for the child and his or her parents or guardian to address the child’s behavioural problems in a way that minimises contact with the criminal justice system,” Mr McDowell said.

Responding to a parliamentary question, he said the Criminal Justice Act 2006 — which sets up ASBOs — ensured there was parental involvement at all relevant stages.

ASBOs are backed by three different garda representatives bodies and the main opposition parties. They are opposed by child and human rights groups.

The Children’s Rights Alliance has set up a website — www.asbowatch.ie — to encourage members of the public to email them their experiences.