A growing gap in Garda powers to deal with juvenile antisocial behaviour needs to be addressed, a Fine Gael TD has said.
Deputy Barry Ward warned that some young people are engaging in persistent antisocial and criminal behaviour with little or no consequence, leaving local communities feeling unsafe and unsupported.
Deputy Ward outlined: “Typically, for example, a 14-year-old who engages in criminal activity in the local area gets arrested by the Gardaí and is brought down to the local Garda station.
“Firstly, they cannot be left in a cell on their own. When they are there, they also cannot be with just one adult on their own. Two Gardaí must be with them for their own safety. That takes two Gardaí off the streets.
“In due course, a parent or guardian is called. He or she comes down to the station and the child is released into that person’s custody. No prosecution may flow from that.
“Whatever about there being no prosecution, the reality is there is a deficit in what Gardaí can do to deal specifically with juvenile misbehaviour, juvenile antisocial behaviour and juvenile criminality.
“Further up the scale, Gardaí have the powers to act. However, in terms of the stuff that impinges on ordinary people and prevents them from the peaceful enjoyment of their properties and their neighbourhoods or from going to work, school or to the shops, there is a problem.
“The Gardaí have diversion and public order powers, but lack a clear, enforceable middle-ground response to repeat antisocial behaviour among young people.
“To protect young people from the consequences of getting on a slippery slope to more serious criminality as adults, it is incumbent on the Minister for Justice to address this growing gap in Garda powers.
“A strong message must be sent that if they are going to behave antisocially and criminally, there will be consequences, and they will suffer them.