New coalition formed to oppose Govt’s ASBO plans

A number of groups have joined forces to oppose the Government's plans to introduce anti-social behaviour orders to crack down on young hooligans.

The Coalition Against ASBOs includes children's organisations, youth projects, community groups, barristers and human rights advocates.

The Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition's plans would see ASBOs being issued by the courts against youngsters deemed to be causing a nuisance in their localities.

The orders restrict the actions and behaviour of these youngsters, who face criminal charges if they breach any of the restrictions.

Opponents of the initiative say it unnecessarily criminalises children and has been an unmitigated failure in Britain.