asked the Minister for Justice the steps the Garda intend to take to deal with the recent spate of attacks on elderly people living in rural areas; if the Garda have any plans to provide additional protection for such people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Attacks on Elderly in Rural Areas.
33.
The Garda authorities naturally regard attacks of this nature with the utmost seriousness and have put into operation a number of measures specifically designed to tackle the problem. These include mobile patrolling of areas deemed to be of special risk, and the manning of checkpoints to carry out spot checks on suspect cars. Also members of the Force visit elderly people who might be at risk to advise them of ways of improving their own personal safety and the security of their houses. In addition, the Garda work closely with voluntary agencies that are involved with the elderly, such as Muintir na Tíre which organises the very successful community alert projects. This involves members of the community in maintaining contact with elderly people and in bringing any suspicious circumstances to the notice of the Garda.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that these measures are proving to be effective. The 1988 level of recorded attacks on elderly people in rural areas was just over one-quarter of the level recorded in 1984 when the problem was at its peak. Also the Garda have in recent months apprehended a number of the persons responsible for these offences.
The Garda authorities assure me that they will continue to monitor the situation very closely and further measures will be considered if there is seen to be a need for them.