asked the Minister for Justice if any action is contemplated to protect the shopkeepers at Captain's Road shopping centre, Crumlin, Dublin and the elderly people in the flats nearby to whom a gang have been causing annoyance over a long period resulting in intimidation and vandalism.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protection against Gang Activities.
38.
I am informed by the Garda Síochána that there is no question in this area of what is popularly referred to as gang warfare, or anything resembling it.
There has, however, been a problem of stone-throwing by juveniles and the Garda have already arranged special additional patrols to deal with it. At the moment, charges are pending against two juveniles in connection with this matter.
Is the Minister aware that in recent times there were 24 plateglass windows broken, that locks were sawn off wire grilles, that there is gang warfare, that groups of individuals are terrorising old people and attacking shopkeepers? Is the Minister further aware that a hairdressing saloon was set on fire there last Saturday morning? Would the Minister ensure now that there is adequate police protection in the area so that this type of warfare will be stamped out at the earliest possible moment?
Why not get them on "The Late, Late Show"?
Have them on "The Late, Late Show".
As I have stated, arrangements have been made for special additional patrols. In addition to the normal patrols, extra protection is being given by the gardaí in the area.
Question No. 39.
(Interruptions.)
I have called Question No. 39.
Would the Minister ensure that special protection will be available to the old people in Captain's Road who have been continuously annoyed over a large number of years and whose health is deteriorating due to the vandalism that is taking place in the area?
What about "The Late, Late Show"?
I will certainly bring to the notice of the Garda authorities the matter Deputy Dowling has raised. They are already making arrangements to deal with the problem that has been mentioned.