While Asbos are due to be included in the Criminal Justice Bill - due to be enacted shortly - there are significant legislative provisions in place which deal with aspects of antisocial behaviour
The Public Order Act 1994
Gives sweeping powers to the Garda to order people to leave an area if they are considered to be loitering. A failure to comply with the order carries a fine of up to 600 or a six-month prison sentence.
Gardaí working in Dublin city centre say it is a measure used hundreds of times a night.
The Intoxicating Liquor Act (2003)
Gives powers to gardaí to deal with people considered to be drunk and disorderly. It's a measure that brings people before the courts every day and typically results in a person entering into a bond to be of good behaviour.
The Children's Act (2001)
Provides for a range of community sanctions. These include 10 penalties such as community service, day centre orders, parental supervision and curfews. However, just two of these measures have been implemented.