Written Answers. - Anti-Joyriding Measures.
Liz McManus
Question:
37
Ms McManus
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the steps he will take to deal with the problem of joyriding which is causing such problems in so many urban areas; if he considers that the powers available to the Garda to deal with the phenomenon are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15439/00]
As I informed the House on 13 April 2000 in reply to Questions Nos. 9 and 38, I am very aware of the damage done to local communities by the scourge of joyriding.
I have been assured by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the provisions of the Road Traffics Acts, 1961-1993, 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. I should state, however, that any amendment to road traffic legislation is a matter for the Minister for the Environment and Local Govern ment who is responsible for all road traffic legislation.
I am determined to see that the Garda has all the resources it needs 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 subject of unauthorised takings are technically examined when recovered and known offenders are targeted for these offences.
Each division also has a traffic unit who outside of peak traffic hours target incidents of joyriding and enforcement of section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994. Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, provides the Garda with the powers to stop and seize vehicles they believe to be driven by underage drivers, who by reason of their age are ineligible to hold a driving licence and insurance. I am informed by the Garda authorities that special plain clothes patrols which concentrate on identifying cars that could be seized under section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994, are showing some success. I am also informed that the Stinger vehicle stopping device was used on 29 occasions during the years 1997 and 1998. However, the use of these devices is restricted and overall public safety is the prime consideration in each specific incident.
The Garda air support unit has been particularly effective in this area and has assisted in the recovery of over 100 vehicles and the making of 194 arrests in 1998. Some of the arrests related to unauthorised taking of MPVs.
In relation to Garda liaison with community groups and the attempts being made to deter joyriders, there are a number of projects 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 Garda are referred to City Motor Sports where various motor appreciation courses are run.
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. The AutoCrime Diversion Project, under the auspices of the probation and wel fare service, plays a role in addressing the problem in Cork.
In relation to estate management and reducing the opportunities for joyriding, I understand that co-operation between the Garda 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.
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.
