Bernard J. Durkan
Question:64 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number of reported attacks on elderly people in the past twelve months; the number of prosecutions which followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Attacks on Elderly People.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that figures for the last twelve months in relation to attacks against the elderly are not yet available.
While I am of course concerned about attacks against any member of our society, attacks against such a vulnerable group as the elderly are particularly abhorrent and I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of such attacks are vigorously pursued. The indications are that the measures taken by the Garda authorities are proving effective and I am satisfied that whatever further action is required will be taken. In this respect I would refer the Deputy to the answer which I gave in the Dáil on 17 February, 1993 in response to a question tabled by Deputy Gay Mitchell in which I outlined the measures taken by the gardaí to deal with the problem of attacks against the elderly.