Gerry Reynolds
Question:12 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Justice if he is yet in a position to announce details of his promised policy statement designed to reduce the number of false alarms on burglar alarm systems.
Written Answers. - Alarm Systems.
Edward Nealon
Question:21 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Justice if he is yet in a position to announce details of his promised policy statement designed to reduce the number of false alarms on burglar alarm systems.
Michael Lowry
Question:31 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice if he is yet in a position to announce details of his promised policy statement designed to reduce the number of false alarms on burglar alarm systems.
Pádraic McCormack
Question:35 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Justice if he is yet in a position to announce details of his promised policy statement designed to reduce the number of false alarms on burglar alarm systems.
Phil Hogan
Question:36 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice if he is yet in a position to announce details of his promised policy statement designed to reduce the number of false alarms on burglar alarm systems.
Dinny McGinley
Question:40 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Justice if he is yet in a position to announce details of his promised policy statement designed to reduce the number of false alarms on burglar alarm systems.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 21, 31, 35, 36 and 40 together.
As I stated in my reply to Question No. 164 on 24 March, 1992 Dáil Debates, Vol. 417, No. 5, Col. 1173-1174) the Garda Commissioner has examined the question of false alarm calls and, following consultation with the security and insurance industries, has put proposals to my Department for a new policy to deal with the unacceptably high level of false alarm calls being experienced throughout the country.
At present approximately 94% of the well over 250,000 alarm activations notified to the Gardaí annualy are false, yet the Gardaí must commit resources to all such calls as if each were genuine. This involves an intolerable waste of Garda resources and a real handicap in the fight against crime.
It is imperative that any new policy will reduce the level of false alarm activations to make alarm systems once again an effective instrument in crime prevention. With this in mind I am at present examining the proposals the Commissioner has drawn up and I hope to make an announcement in the matter shortly.