Latest news with #Gogarty
The Journal
3 days ago
- The Journal
Fines, curfews and seizing Playstation: TD wants action on antisocial activity by 'youth gangs'
THERE NEEDS TO be a crackdown on antisocial activity carried out by young offenders, according to one independent TD who suggested curfews, fining parents and seizing PlayStations. Speaking during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil today, Dublin Mid-West TD Paul Gogarty said there are not enough consequences implemented in the youth diversion programme to counteract the 'Andrew Tate-ification of young males'. He told Taoiseach Micheál Martin that antisocial behaviour carried out by young offenders has been a persistent issue 'since this state began, but anecdotally it appears to be getting worse'. Gogarty shared examples of incidents which have been reported to him in recent weeks, adding that abuse is 'given to anyone'. This includes the use of 'racist tropes' and misogyny, he detailed. The TD called for tougher consequences to be implemented into youth diversion programmes: 'There needs to be tougher, on the spot type of stuff, whether it is curfews, seizing scooters, seizing PlayStations or fining their parents. 'We need to add that into the mix so that they know there are first-hand repercussions rather than waiting a year to get through the system,' he added, after quoting recent statistics to the Taoiseach that showed an increase in referrals. Attacks by 'gangs of youths' Responding, Martin said a response to antisocial activity needs be developed 'consistantly and constantly', adding that 'a lot is being done in schools' to counteract poor behaviour and promote inclusivity. He said there is 'heightened degree' of antisocial activity from those in adolescence and teenage years and pointed to recent policy and legislative changes undertaken by government to crack down on such behaviour. Martin said this included the introduction of body-worn cameras for gardaí, expansions to youth justice services and the creation of and investment in new diversion programmes. Advertisement Speaking earlier, Gogarty said young people are parents have been attacked in recent weeks: 'A lot of our young people are now under threat from random violent assaults by gangs of 12 and 13-year-olds going around. 'I had parents come to me with a lad who got a punch and his eye socket was damaged. It was just a random attack. 'Equally, I know of parents walking in a park with a buggy, when four gangs of youths came over and threw bricks at them and verbally abused them,' he added. Gogarty said a group of boys 'went into one of my local cafés, stole bottles, walked out brazenly and then came back in and emptied the contents of the bottles at staff'. 'What plans does the Government have to have consequences for actions?,' he asked the Taoiseach. 'We know there are root causes and I have raised those root causes previously, but if someone does something, where are the consequences?' Community Safety Groups need to 'hurry up' In his response to the TD, the Taoiseach said the creation of community safety partnerships – a locally-led policing initiative by government – 'is important, as are the community safety plans for every area'. 'The line between community engagement and moving into the youth [justice] space is a difficult enough one to crack,' the Fianna Fáil leader admitted. Gogarty said he wished that community safety partnerships would 'hurry up and get them set up, because there is a deficit there, including in communities that are not designated as disadvantaged but have areas of disadvantage within them'. The Journal has previously reported on the fears of local Dublin city councillors regarding the new community policing policies . Gogarty added that though schools are doing a 'great job' with young students, the same behaviour is witnessed by educators. 'It is mainly female teachers in primary schools, and they are the one who are getting misogynistic abuse at sixth class level,' he added, calling for investment in early-education programmes and better social media regulation. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tense scenes as Paul Gogarty rows with Gavin Pepper and Malachy Steenson
Independent TD Paul Gogarty was confronted by independent councillors Gavin Pepper and Malachy Steenson at a protest by residents over the Government's purchase of the Citywest Hotel in Dublin. Local residents distanced themselves from Mr Pepper and Mr Steenson, but stated Deputy Gogarty made a mistake by telling protestors he had "no truck" with racism or the far right. Cabinet heard last month that Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan will present proposals to purchase the Citywest site. It is currently being used to house asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees. Mr Gogarty addressed the crowd and started with what he called a "preamble", stating that he would "not be associated" with elements he considered to be racist or far right. Mr Steenson and Mr Pepper, who are both Dublin City councillors, objected to Mr Gogarty's remarks. Several members of the crowd also objected. As Mr Steenson and Mr Pepper approached Deputy Gogarty, the Dublin Mid-West TD said: "Go back to where you came from. I'm talking to the people of Saggart. "I don't want any far right here." Cllr Pepper responded: "You're a disgrace." A member of the crowd moved Mr Steenson away from Mr Gogarty but he later re-approached him and asked, "Who are you calling far right?" Mr Gogarty told the crowd: "The reason I came here is because all of you are peaceful individuals who have a right to make a point. "I support you fully in making your point. I'm looking at these signs, which say, 'Public consultation'. "In that context, I am happy to support the residents of Saggart without having any truck with the other people." One local resident from Saggart told Deputy Gogarty that they did not need a "lecture on racism". Mr Steenson later spoke to Mr Gogarty and said, "You called us far right and racist. "No truck with what? What are you having no truck with, Paul?" Speaking to reporters, Deputy Gogarty stated the local residents had told him that if there was anything "untoward", the protest would be cancelled. He continued: "The issue is that certain groupings who aren't associated with the protestors tend to hang around the fringes." Deputy Gogarty stressed that he had "no truck with any racist comments." He continued: "Some of the usual suspects started shouting me down. I wasn't allowed finish my preamble. I don't condone any form of abuse or racism of any nature." Mr Gogarty admitted that it "might be his fault" if residents believed he was calling them racist, insisting that he supports their calls for proper consultation about the purchase of Citywest Hotel. Speaking on behalf of the group, Bernie Cronin, a former Fine Gael member and a current member of Independent Ireland, said they were concerned about the "luxury hotel" no longer being available to locals. He also expressed concerns about outside parties trying to "hijack" the protest, saying they "don't help us". Susan Murphy, a resident of Saggart for 66 years, said it is "not a question about race, it's about space". The group said that Mr Gogarty made a "mistake" by speaking about racism. Cllr Pepper accused Deputy Gogarty of "putting people down and trying to call them racist and far right, as usual". He added: "I think it's unfair for me to be called far right and an agitator. It's classism and it punches down on people that want to speak out."
RTÉ News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Ireland should consider under-16 social media ban
Serious consideration should be given to banning under-16s from using social media, similar to a law passed last year in Australia, according to Tánaiste Simon Harris. In November 2024, the Australian parliament approved the restrictions which could see tech firms hit with heavy fines if they fail to comply. Responding to a question in the Dáil yesterday from Independent TD Paul Gogarty, Mr Harris described the high numbers of young children using social media as a "ticking time bomb". He added that the Minister for Media had instructed his department to assess how other jurisdictions are dealing with the problem. "We do need to look at what over countries are doing and I know my colleague Minister Patrick O'Donovan has asked his officials to look at other countries like Australia to see what they are doing, and I think Australia deserves great credit for the steps they are considering," Mr Harris said. The Tánaiste told the Dáil that while the digital age of consent in Ireland is 16, 'workarounds' have been found allowing younger children to access social media. "Very serious consideration should be given to the idea of having to be 16 before you are on social media and aligning that with the digital age of consent in Ireland which is also 16," he said. In his contribution on the issue, Mr Gogarty said social media was having a profound impact on the mental health of young people and that Ireland needs to explore what Australia is doing. "It's not a panacea and there are drawbacks but our children must come first, not the superrich tech barons currently prostrating themselves before the Trump administration," Mr Gogarty said.
