McDowell determined to press ahead with ASBOs plan

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has vowed to press ahead with his plans to introduce so-called Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).

Such orders would allow the courts to impose curfews and other restrictions on juvenile offenders, who would then face charges if they breached the order.

Groups working with children and civil liberties organisations have expressed serious concern about Mr McDowell's plans, but the minister insisted last night that he was determined to introduce ASBOs following widespread public order problems on St Patrick's Day.

Speaking at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors' annual conference in Kilkenny, he said the authorities had to be given the power to control nuisance neighbours and drunken youths.