Madam, - Victims of anti-social behaviour will be heartened by Mr McDowell's proposals for dealing with this problem, which is more widespread than is commonly believed.
The harassment they suffer takes many forms such as shouting offensive language, drinking and throwing missiles such as stones, eggs and fireworks. This behaviour, which is often euphemistically described as "messing", takes place not only during the day but also at night when it is even more distressing. Any attempt to obtain relief by complaining to parents or to gardaí almost invariably leads to intensification of the annoyance.
I wonder if the university law lecturer who recently described this type of conduct as merely "low-level non-offensive behaviour" has ever experienced the reality of what it involves. It must also be asked whether the failure of local authorities to provide adequate recreational facilities should give young people a licence to torment their unfortunate elderly neighbours.
I believe the Minister's efforts to address this problem deserve wide public support. - Yours, etc.,
GERARD BRADY, Belmont Avenue, Dublin 4.