asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, he has to combat the usual incidence of crime before and after Christmas, with particular reference to breaking and entering and handbag snatching; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Crime at Christmas.
61.
I am aware that the increased money in circulation over the Christmas period presents potential for additional crime, particularly in areas such as business streets and shopping centres where people congregate in large numbers. To assist the gardaí in dealing with the problem I have obtained from the Government approval for an additional £500,000 to provide for extra Garda overtime during the Christmas period. This extra allocation will enable the Garda authorities to put additional gardaí on the streets of Dublin where and when they are most needed. I am informed by the Garda authorities that sufficient overtime can also be made available to ensure that appropriate levels of Garda attendance can be maintained on the streets of other large urban centres in the period around Christmas.