asked the Minister for Justice if in view of the growing anxiety which is being felt by the citizens of Dublin at the alarmingly high incidence of burglary and breaking and entering, which has become evident in recent months, and the enormous loss and damage caused by those responsible for these burglaries, he has taken any special steps to protect people and their property; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Incidence of Burglaries in Dublin.
47.
The prevalence of crime in Dublin city is causing me anxiety, too, and within the past few weeks I have told the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and some of his senior officers how much I am disturbed by it.
The strength of the Dublin Metropolitan Division has been increased by 248 members within the past six years and there has also been an increase in the ratio of supervisory ranks. An additional 50 men will be assigned to Dublin from the next batch of recruits and it is also proposed to strengthen the detective units. Plans are in hand still further to improve the efficiency of communications and patrols by the provision of additional equipment.
I am pleased to say that recent reports to me indicate that house-breakings and burglaries for the six months ended 30th September, which numbered 612, were some one hundred fewer than in the corresponding period last year.
Would the Minister consider an increase in the number of Guards on duty at night time?
Anything of that nature is a matter solely for the Commissioner but I can make that recommendation to him.
I do not wish to criticise what the Minister says, but I take it he is aware that there is real alarm and anxiety in the minds of a number of people in Dublin arising out of the matters mentioned in the question. I join with Deputy Corish in urging the Minister to ask the Commissioner to do whatever he can to strengthen the night patrols in the city.
I am fully aware of the anxiety of the general public in this matter. Recently, I had an interview with the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner and an Assistant Commissioner and I impressed my own fears upon them. I think they realised I was serious in my statement. As a result of my interview with those officers, I believe some improvement will come about.
I previously raised a matter which comes within the Minister's province, that is, the constant window-breaking in Seán MacDermott Street. There are now 110 windows which have been broken by children throwing stones and there are no guards to prevent this happening. There are 110 broken windows to be seen at the rere of Seán MacDermott Street.
I should like to point out to the Minister that there is a very strong belief in the country that one of the reasons for the crime wave is that even when the culprits are brought into court and found guilty, their punishment is not adequate. It is not severe enough.
That is a different question.
That is a matter for the Courts.