(Limerick East): Since Question Nos. 5, 6 and 7 relate to aspects of the same problem, I propose to take them together.
I would point out to the Deputies that Garda statistics for 1984 show that there was a decrease of 2.6 per cent in the number of indictable offences recorded for the whole country over 1983 and that there was a reduction in the recorded crime in the Dublin Metropolitan area of some 4.8 per cent. In drawing attention to these figures, however, I am not to be taken as implying that the problem is not still a serious one, nor would I wish to minimise the concern which I know exists throughout the community about it; but I think it is important to point out that the assumption underlying Question No. 5 is not correct.
I do not think it is reasonable that I should be expected to make policy statements — which would necessarily have to be comprehensive in relation to what is essentially a complex matter — in response to parliamentary questions, all the more so since I dealt very fully with the measures I am taking to deal with crime in replying to a motion on the matter in this House on 20 March 1985. However, I cannot accept the implication contained in Question Nos. 5 and 7 that the Garda Síochána are not reasonably supplied with modern equipments or that there is any inadequacy in the technological capability of the force that is not currently being dealt with. I dealt with this matter specifically and also with the question of manpower in the context of the motion I have already referred to and I would invite the Deputies' attention to what I said then.
In relation to attacks on the elderly, I dealt in some detail with the measures being taken by the Garda Síochána to deal with this problem so far as it relates to attacks on the homes of elderly people living in rural areas in the written reply which I gave on 12 March last to a Private Notice Question. That reply is in column 1995 of the Official Report for 12 March 1985. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there has been a considerable decrease in the incidence of attacks on elderly persons in recent months. A number of persons have been changed in relation to these attacks and the Garda are still pursuing a number of inquiries which it is hoped will lead to further charges and bring more of the persons concerned to Justice.
With regard to crimes such as household burglaries and vandalism, the Government have, as I recently announced, allocated funds for the promotion of the neighbourhood watch scheme which is a scheme principally aimed at the prevention of these types of crime.