Madam, - It now seems that Michael McDowell will introduce a "two-tier" system of antisocial behaviour orders (The Irish Times, May 9th).
Naturally, anybody who works with young people will welcome any change in these extreme measures. Once more, however, we are treated to government by press release and announcement. If the Minister felt there were problems with the application of Asbos to children and young people why were these not considered in advance of the previous announcements? Why did he not meet those who were concerned?
The notion that Asbos can be integrated with the Children's Act is a complete non-starter: they are directly in conflict. The Children's Act seeks to provide alternatives to custody and the mainstream criminal justice system; Asbos bring young people right into this system. A third of all people served with Asbos in the UK end up in prison, the exact opposite to the aims of the Children's Act.
The idea that people's social class informs their views on these issues is disproved by Carl O'Brien's article in the same edition on the electoral reasons behind the political consensus in this area. Local youth services work with young people from working-class areas all over the country and can attest to the value of diversionary projects. The Garda's own research has also shown the value of these.
If the Minister would like to hear from those working with young people who have problems with the law, the youthwork sector would be more than willing to facilitate arrange this. Including young people and those who work with them in the response to antisocial behaviour might be a more productive way forward for the Minister. - Yours, etc,
DIARMUID KEARNEY, Chief Executive, National Youth Federation, Dublin 1.
Madam, - The opponents of Michael McDowell's proposed antisocial behaviour orders talk about civil rights. Yet why are the civil rights of OAPs worth less than that of those terrorising them?
Is it because grannies aren't keeping their neighbours up until all hours, blasting out James Galway on their ghetto-blasters? Is it because they aren't pulling handbrake turns with their shopping trolleys in the middle of residential streets?
Of course Asbos need to be monitored and constantly reviewed, but they are essentially about that most basic civil right to be treated yourself as you treat others. - Yours, etc,
JASON O'MAHONY, Coppinger Glade, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.
Madam - Much is being made of the proposed legislation to deal with the problem of antisocial behaviour, particularly among our youth.
Politicians of all parties are jumping on this bandwagon with various remedies and penalties, some of which just stop short of capital punishment.
I would challenge all politicians, both local and national, to somewhere on their patch where young people can socialise. The need for a place for young people to meet, sit, talk or read in pleasant surroundings in winter or in the evenings at other times of the year is simply not being met.
New estates are being manufactured, for want of a better word, almost every week, and in most cases no provision is made for young people. Street corners and pubs are not necessarily what most young people prefer.
Asbos or football can help solve the problem, but not for everyone. - Yours, etc,
JOHN A. CULLINANE, Coolroe Heights, Ballincollig, Cork.
Madam, - I disagree wholeheartedly with the comments of Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan about antisocial behaviour orders (The Irish Times, May 4th). She has expressed concern at the proposed Asbos, saying that "anti-social behaviour needed to be tackled through additional support".
In many parts of this country elderly, vulnerable people live in fear of drunken mobs of delinquent youths who routinely terrorise them in their homes. I would suggest to Ms Logan that it is these elderly citizens who most deserve "additional support".
I believe that Asbos will be an effective instrument in reducing the disgraceful behaviour that occurs nightly throughout this state. The Minister for Justice is to be applauded for his proposal. I sincerely hope it is implemented in full. - Yours, etc,
Dr RUAIRI HANLEY, The Rise, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin.