An international expert on antisocial behaviour will address TDs this week urging them not to introduce Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) here.
London-based solicitor Matt Foot is founder of the British organisation ASBO Concern. He is to brief TDs and senators in Leinster House tomorrow.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has said he plans to introduce ASBOs in the forthcoming Criminal Justice Act.
Labour and Fine Gael have voiced their support for ASBOs, albeit as a measure of last resort. ASBOs are civil orders which can be applied for by either the Garda or local authority against any person over the age of ten, alleged to be involved in anti-social behaviour.
A Coalition Against ASBOs, comprising among others the Children's Rights Alliance, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the ISPCC, has been formed in the last two months.
