I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 38 together.
I am aware of the damage done to local communities by the scourge of joyriding. My approach to tackling joyriding, and indeed all crime, is threefold: first, a clear and determined focus on tackling those who are engaged in crime; second, a determination that the law enforcement agencies will be properly equipped and resourced to deal with crime and third, a commitment to address, and where possible to ameliorate, the causes of crime.
I have been assured by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the provisions of the Road Traffics Acts, 1961-93, as enforced by them are adequate to deal with situations where persons use or take possession of mechanically propelled vehicles without the consent of the owner. Any amendment to road traffic legislation is a matter for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government who is responsible for all road traffic legislation. I am determined to see that the gardaí have all the necessary resources they need to tackle crime effectively. There are now 600 more gardaí in the force than when I came into office. The Garda fleet has also increased substantially.
A number of measures specifically targeted at reducing the incidence of joyriding are also in place. I am informed by the Garda authorities that special foot and mobile patrols, targeting specific areas, are in place in response to identified local requirements. All vehicles the subject of unauthorised takings are technically examined when recovered and known offenders are targeted for these offences. The Garda air support unit has been particularly effective in this area and has assisted in the recovery of over 100 vehicles and made 194 arrests in 1998. Some of the arrests related to unauthorised taking of MPVs. I understand that they assisted in the recovery of stolen vehicles and that the arrest rate has been maintained for 1999 and to date this year, though these figures are not yet published.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that special plain clothes patrols concentrating on identifying cars, not subject to unauthorised taking, but that could be seized under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, is showing some success. Each division also has a traffic unit which, outside of peak traffic hours, target incidents of joyriding and enforcement of section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994. I am also informed that the stinger device was used on 29 occasions during the years 1997 and 1998.
In relation to Garda liaison with community groups and the attempts being made to deter joyriders, a number of projects are in operation which deal with this aspect of youth crime and which have proved valuable in identifying offenders. In Coolock, for example, joyriders have been referred to one of the Garda youth diversion projects funded by my Department. Similarly, in the south inner city, youths who come to the attention of the gardaí are referred to City Motor Sports where various motor appreciation courses are run.
In relation to estate management and reducing the opportunities for joyriding, I understand that co-operation between the gardaí and local authorities is ongoing with a view to effecting physical changes, such as barriers and speed ramps to reduce access to areas frequented by youths engaged in these activities.
Some of the local responses to joyriding include Operation Steering Wheel, which was developed by the Garda authorities to deal specifically with the problem of joyriding in Coolock. The operation is ongoing and comprises uniform, foot and mobile patrols targeting specific locations on a nightly basis. Gardaí are also involved in a task force to address the problem in the Coolock area. A special resource unit comprising one sergeant and eight gardaí was established to specifically target incidents of joyriding in west Tallaght.
There is plenty of evidence that the Government takes youth crime seriously and that it has put in place a comprehensive range of measures to address it. To begin with, as everyone in the House will be aware, the level of resources the Government has made available for youth facilities and services in Dublin is proof of its determination to tackle the root causes of social deprivation and youth crime. In the longer term, the Children Bill, 1999, which is at present before the House, provides for the development of a new juvenile justice system and contains many innovative measures for dealing with young offenders.
I have invested considerable resources in a network of Garda youth diversion projects since coming to office. I have increased the number of these projects from 12 to 29, and there are a number of proposals for other projects before my Department to expand the number over the life of the national development plan. The projects are tangible crime prevention measures and are run in conjunction with youth organisations.
I am fully aware of the damage, both mental and physical, that joyriding inflicts on community life. However, I have complete confidence in the range of measures being developed by the Garda Síochána to combat the problem and to discharge its role in maintaining law and order.