I propose to answer Questions Nos. 29, 52 and 209 together. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the problem of attacks on tourists is being given special attention and that there is close co-operation on this matter between them and Bord Fáilte and other tourist interests. A number of measures have been taken by the gardaí to deal with the problem. These include the deployment of additional Garda patrols, including gardaí on plain clothes duty in areas of high tourist interest. Arrangements have been made with various bodies, such as the Car Rental Council of Ireland, port authorities at Dún Laoghaire, regional tourism managers and the Irish Hotels Federation for the printing and distribution of leaflets which offer to tourists practical advice on such matters as car security and the safety of personal belongings.
A new measure designed to help in tackling the problem is the provision of the new Garda office which opened on 12 March, 1990 in O'Connell Street, Dublin. This serves as a centre for advising tourists on preventive measures which they can take to safeguard themselves and their belongings.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that the measures already implemented are proving to be effective and they have informed me that provisional figures for recorded attacks on tourists in the Dublin metropolitan area in 1989 show a decrease of 6.4 per cent as compared with 1988.
The situation is being continually monitored by the Garda and the measures taken to deal with the problem are the subject of constant review.