asked the Minister for Justice if any recent arrangements have been made to increase the number of Garda foot patrols in view of the alarming increase in crime in city areas.
27.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Foot Patrols.
26.
asked the Minister for Justice the Garda strength in the city and county of Waterford in 1965 and 1975; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
28.
asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda foot patrols in business and suburban areas of Waterford City; if he will consider increasing their numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 27 and 28 together.
The strength of the Garda Síochána in the City and County of Waterford in mid-1975, was 159. In mid-1965, it was 152.
The deployment of Garda resources is a matter to be decided by the Garda authorities, the precise arrangements for policing particular areas being made by or in consultation with the local Garda officers. I am aware that the Garda authorities consider foot-patrolling to be a very important part of Garda activity and that they ensure that it is practised on as wide a scale as is possible having regard to the available resources. Extra foot-patrols have been established recently but it would be contrary to practice to give particulars.
I might mention in this general context that provisional figures indicate that, while more indictable crimes were committed in the cities of Dublin, Cork and Limerick in 1976 than in 1975, fewer were committed in the cities of Galway and Waterford.
Is the Minister aware of the present serious situation in Dublin city as regards break-ins? The Garda authorities have informed me that they are inundated with reports of break-ins and there is widespread vandalism. People are reluctant to come into the city at night. It seems that the situation calls for further remedial measures and surely the Minister could take some steps to deal with that position? Traders are also concerned and have made representations to the Minister so far without any success. The situation has deteriorated.
I had discussions with the traders of Dublin city centre some time ago in regard to the centre city and I understand from recent contact with them that the position there has improved considerably since the task force, which was set up in Dublin to deal with areas with particular problems, was deployed in the centre city area. I do not think it is correct, as the Deputy says, that people are afraid to come into the centre of the city. There is no reason for them to be afraid because the task force has been deployed in those areas with considerable success, according to the information which I have from traders in that part of Dublin.
There is no evidence of police presence in Dublin city at night.
I must take issue with the Deputy on that statement because a casual drive around the city will show uniformed men on foot in the centre city area.
I cannot agree with that.
Would the Minister not agree that the reason the crime rate is lower in Waterford and Galway is because the ratio of gardaí to the population is higher in those areas than in Dublin?
I would not agree because there is no mathematical relationship between the number of crimes and the number of gardaí.
(Dublin Central): By what percentage have foot patrols in Dublin been increased over the past 12 months? My information shows that they have not been increased to any great extent, and there is public disquiet throughout the city about this. The police say they have not sufficient numbers to increase these patrols.
As I indicated in my reply, extra foot patrols have been established recently. I do not have the particulars of the numbers and in any event it would be contrary to normal practice to reveal details of these numbers. The Deputy can take it from me that, when I tell the House extra foot patrols have been established, they have been established.
(Dublin Central): In my constituency the indications are that there are not sufficient police to patrol the district.
That is not a question.
I would like to see a heavier police presence and it was for that reason the Government undertook to recruit an extra 500 gardaí. The examination to admit these men to the force will take place next month and I hope to get them on the beat as quickly as possible.
(Dublin Central): Arising from the Minister's reply——
Order. Deputy Fitzpatrick must ask a question.
(Dublin Central): I have been hearing for the past two years that this was supposed to be coming——
The Deputy is not asking a question.
(Dublin Central): Those 500 gardaí——
Order.
The Deputy is forgetting that since we came to office we have already increased the force by 900.
Mostly in the towns and cities.
If they did not have to be diverted to deal with the Provisional IRA we could have afforded——
(Interruptions.)
Order.
What about the crimes we have on our streets in the cities and towns?
I have a flat in Deputy Fitzpatrick's constituency which has been broken into three times.
A question, please.
Is the Minister aware of that?
I am not aware of it.
Is he also aware that there is no problem about my family going into the centre city area at night because they are afraid that if they leave their flat it will be broken into.
I am not aware of that.
That disposes of questions for today.