Anti-social orders - Law must be used cautiously

Given that anti-social behaviour is something near the top of peoples’ agenda, measures to counteract it are something that a government, or a party, facing a looming General Election would be tempted to view with favour.

Tánaiste and Justice Minister Michael McDowell was determined to introduce Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos) and he did so yesterday. Those for adults will take affect from January 1 next, and a two-tiered system for children about two months later.

Imported from Britain, although the Irish model may differ in several aspects, the prospect of Asbos being introduced here have caused concern among the Ombudsman for Children, the Children’s Rights Alliance and the Irish Human Rights Commission.