asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the concern of the parents in the Greenhills/ Walkinstown area of Dublin at the increasing incidence of vandalism and attacks on young children; and the steps that are being taken to curb such violence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Vandalism.
15.
I am informed by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána that there has been no marked increase in complaints to the Garda about the incidence of vandalism in the Greenhills/Walkinstown area and that no reports have been made to the Garda of attacks on young children in the area during the past 12 months.
As in other areas of Dublin, a certain amount of vandalism is caused mainly by youngsters of between 12 and 15 years of age. I should like to repeat that I believe this is a problem that is best dealt with by parents, teachers and local community leaders. Action by them can be much more effective in instilling a sense of civic responsibility in the young people of their areas than any Garda activity.
The Garda intend to continue to give attention to the area by way of beat duty and mobile patrols.