Vol. 442 No. 3
93 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the fact that local residents have been irritated by constant drug abuse at the rear of St. Patrick's Institution, Dublin 7, along the Royal Canal; the steps, if any, she, or the Garda Síochána can take to minimise this problem including the rearrangement of entrances to St. Patrick's Institution and control thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that while they are aware that some problems occur in the area as a result of youths drinking cider there is no evidence that there is a problem involving drug abuse.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the area involved is regularly patrolled by both foot and mobile patrols, who have taken action against youths in the area in the past. In addition, the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994, confers new powers on the gardaí to deal with disorderly public conduct, and these powers will enable the gardaí to take stronger action to deal with the problem in the area.
The Garda authorities have informed me that the situation in the area will continue to be monitored by them and whatever further action that may be required to deal with problems that occur will be taken.
In relation to the rearrangement of entrances to St. Patrick's Institution, I would refer the Deputy to a parliamentary question tabled by Deputy Gregory on 26 January 1994 (Official Report, Volume 437, No. 6, columns 1507-1508) in which I stated that proposals put forward by the Berkeley Road Neighbourhood Watch Committee could not be proceeded with due to the security implications involved.
