asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that the residents of Ballyfermot, Dublin, are not satisfied that there are sufficient Gardaí in the area; and, if so, if he has plans to increase the strength of the Force in this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot Garda Strength.
67.
The Commissioner, Garda Síochána, has informed me that the position in the Ballyfermot area was recently reviewed, regard being had to the size of the district and of the population, the incidence of crime—including disorderly and unruly conduct which has been diminishing— and the high percentage of detections.
The number of Gardaí allocated to Ballyfermot compares favourably with the numbers allocated to other similar Districts in the Dublin Metropolitan area and the strength is considered adequate for police requirements.
Is the Minister aware of the considerable amount of destruction to public property and disturbance of elderly people and people living alone in house there because of the fact that there are not sufficient Gardaí on duty in the area?
The extraordinary thing is that, in relation to similar districts, the amount of crime is diminishing in the Ballyfermot area.
It depends on what the Minister considers to be crime. It is nothing unusual for a whole street to be left without lights as a result of stoning and disorderly conduct.
The information available to me is that that type of conduct is on the decrease.