Examining the introduction of legislation in Ireland to tackle juvenile anti-social behaviour
| Author | Kevin Brown |
| Published date | 01 September 2007 |
| Date | 01 September 2007 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0264550507080372 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Examining the introduction of legislation in
Ireland to tackle juvenile anti-social behaviour
Kevin Brown, University of Manchester
Abstract In July 2006, the Irish Parliament passed legislation aimed at tackling
anti-social behaviour following a perceived increase in the problem. The new
provisions are based on existing law and practice in England and Wales. However,
the legislation includes a framework for dealing with juveniles that differs in a
number of respects from that which exists in England and Wales. This article
examines how the Irish legislation proposes to treat juveniles engaged in anti-
social behaviour and contrasts this with the English approach.
Keywords anti-social behaviour, community safety, crime and disorder reduction,
Ireland, youth offending
Introduction
In July 2006, the Republic of Ireland legislature passed the Criminal Justice Act
2006. The Act contains almost two hundred sections dealing with a wide range of
issues. One set of provisions within the Act that received particular attention from
parliamentarians and commentators introduces new powers to tackle a perceived
increase in anti-social behaviour in the country. The legislation contains two discrete
frameworks for tackling anti-social behaviour: one designed to tackle anti-social
behaviour committed by adults; the other to tackle such behaviour when committed
by juveniles.1The two frameworks are different in a number of key respects with
the provisions for juveniles having a greater emphasis on non-court interventions.
This article examines the provisions relating to juveniles comparing it with the
approach taken in England and Wales.
When the provisions relating to anti-social behaviour were presented to the
Irish Parliament, the Minister responsible for the legislation, Mr McDowell, stated
that they were necessary, as anti-social behaviour was ‘a real source of anxiety
and stress for many people’ (Parliamentary Debates: Seanad Éireann, 2006). The
Minister argued that anti-social behaviour had to be tackled with suitably tough
239
Probation Journal
The Journal of Community and Criminal Justice
Copyright © 2007 NAPO Vol 54(3): 239–250
DOI: 10.1177/0264550507080372
www.napo.org.uk
http://prb.sagepub.com
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