Anti-social behaviour strategy
Deputy Richmond raised violent anti-social behaviour, including a racist incident, and asked about the forum and youth justice strategy promised in the programme for Government. The Taoiseach said a national youth strategy was being developed and that Justice, State and Garda authorities were working on responses to anti-social behaviour.
Many of us have been absolutely shocked by footage circulating in recent weeks of violent anti-social behaviour incidents across the Dublin region. In particular, a racist incident involving children in my own constituency in Leopardstown last weekend has shocked many. In that context and as per the programme for Government, what is the status of the forum on anti-social behaviour and where is the youth justice strategy that has been promised?
Comment on this
The Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Deputy James Browne, is developing a national youth strategy. This is a progressive and positive piece of work in terms of affirming the positive dimensions of youth and giving the necessary supports to young people more generally. In respect of anti-social behaviour, there has been a worrying increase in certain areas and in the wanton nature of that behaviour in terms of putting people in danger. The Minister for Justice along with the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, and An Garda Síochána are working collectively on a range of strategies to deal with it.
