Declaration on anti social behaviour orders

Labour Youth declaration of opposition to the implementation of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs)

Labour Youth notes with extreme concern
- The apparent plan of the government to implement ASBOs in Irish society along similar lines of the UK model.
- The flippant attitude of the government, and particularly the minister for Justice, equality and Law reform, towards social exclusion, one of the primary causes of anti-social behaviour.
- The risk of further increase in Garda power at a time when reform is badly needed.

Labour Youth recognises
That social research and statistics in Ireland show that, while fear of serious crime is at an all time high, rates are lower than many periods in our recent history. We believe that the government is playing on this fear to implement ASBOs as a smokescreen for increased Garda power and a poor record in justice while in government.

Further, Labour Youth believes
That ASBOs criminalize non-criminal acts and serve to severely harm civil liberties.

Thus, Labour Youth declares
Opposition to the implementation of ASBOs in any form.

Further, Labour Youth promises
To strongly protest any implementation of anti-social behaviour orders in Irish society.