Vol. 434 No. 6
35 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to provide adequate policing throughout the country with particular reference to the need to protect all citizens, their property and their right to live their lives without fear or interference from vandals or criminals; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The objectives mentioned by the Deputy have been the objectives of policing in this country since the establishment of the Garda Síochána in 1922.
I would refer the Deputy to my statement in the Dáil on 12 October, 1993 in response to his motion on crime, lawlessness and vandalism where I dealt very comprehensively with the measures being taken to tackle crime and to improve the effectiveness of the police service. As I stated in the Dáil, a five year Corporate Strategy for the Garda Síochána, to enhance their capacity to fight crime in present day conditions, has been drawn up in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997.
I am confident that the package of measures which I will be putting before the Government and the legislative changes which are currently before the House will enable the Gardai to tackle the problem of crime and vandalism in this country very effectively.
