Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 2

Written Answers. - Attacks on the Elderly.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

38 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice the steps, if any, she proposes to take to ensure that offenders against senior citizens are pursued vigorously and that all utility companies calling on senior citizens display a particular form of identification which cannot be easily counterfeited.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The Garda authorities are very strongly committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of attacks on elderly people are vigorously pursued. Indeed, the measures taken by the Garda authorities to deal with the problem have proved to be very effective in that there was a decrease in the level of such attacks recorded in the period 1984 to 1991. While the 1992 figures are not yet available the indications are that there has been no appreciable change in this situation. I mention the figures only in the interest of balance and to show the commitment with which this problem has been and is being tackled. I would of course never accept any level of attacks on the elderly.

The Garda authorities, in conjunction with Muintir na Tíre, are continuing to promote the community alert scheme which is the rural equivalent of neighbourhood watch and which involves local people maintaining contact with elderly people and bringing any suspicious circumstances to the notice of the Garda. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are now 441 community alert schemes in existence in every Garda division outside the Dublin metropolitan area. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that they are currently involved in the production of a community alert video aimed at increasing awareness among the elderly of measures which can be taken to avoid and prevent attack and which will assist in bringing culprits to justice in the event of attack. Another important initiative taken by the Garda is the inclusion in crime prevention literature of information and advice for the elderly on the action to be taken in the event of attack.

In addition, the successful community policing scheme, which was put in place in 100 rural stations in September 1991, has enabled the Garda to spend more time on operational duties, including in particular visits to the elderly. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to extend this scheme to other stations in the country.

I am pleased to say that the Garda and the members of the community involved in crime prevention initiatives will be making a special effort in this "European Year of the Elderly and Solidarity amongst Generations" to ensure both that our elderly people are not left vulnerable to attack and that the position of the elderly in our society is improved through Garda involvement in such community initiatives as the "Reach Out Campaign" and "Helplink South". In addition, all members of the Garda Síochána have been encouraged to become involved at local level with community groups involved in work with the elderly.

I have no function in relation to the question of compelling utility companies calling on senior citizens to display forms of indentification. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Crime Prevention Unit promotes and encourages the implementation of secure identification card systems by companies whose business involves calling upon householders and provides advice on request to these companies on all relevant aspects. In addition, the Garda Síochána use all available opportunities to advise the public, and in particular the elderly, not to let anyone enter their homes without proper identification. I would urge all elderly people to exercise caution in relation to dealing with strangers. Elderly people in any doubt whatsoever about the bona fides of callers should refuse them admittance and call the Garda immediately for assistance.