David Andrews
Question:86 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Justice the measures, if any, she has taken to ensure that the level of attacks against tourists is reduced in 1996. [7422/96]
Written Answers. - Crime Against Tourists.
The issue of crime against tourists is one which receives the highest priority from my Department and the Garda authorities. Close co-operation is maintained with Bord Fáilte to ensure that crimes of this nature are minimised to the greatest possible extent.
The measures taken by the Garda to deal with this problem include the deployment of additional Garda patrols, both uniformed and plainclothes, in areas of high tourist interest. It has been noted that a limited number of locations feature in many instances of crime against tourists and these, of course, are targeted especially by the Garda. Other measures include the provision and distribution of an information leaflet by the Garda which is written in three European languages and which gives advice to tourists on how to protect their property and personal belongings. These leaflets are available at all sea ports and airports.
The presence of a Garda office, which opened in March 1990, in O'Connell Street, Dublin is also helpful. It serves as a central location for advising tourists on preventive measures. Another initiative has been the launch by the Garda community relations unit of a street map for tourists in Dublin, listing places of historical and current interest and also including crime prevention advice. Supervised car parks are shown on the maps. I understand that it is intended to extend this project to other areas frequented by tourists.
The Garda have carried out security surveys of all youth hostel accommodation. Advice has been given on securing entry and exit points to these buildings and providing facilities to allow tourists to store luggage securely.
For those tourists unfortunate enough to end up as victims of crime, there is the Dublin tourist victim support service which was launched on 14 April 1994 and which is being operated by the Irish Association for Victim Support (IAVS). The service, which is modelled on the Amsterdam Tourist Assistance Service, provides tourists who have been the victims of crime with help in overcoming the initial trauma of their experiences. The Garda Síochána have been involved in setting up this service and have provided premises for its operation at the Garda Dublin metropolitan area headquarters at Harcourt Square. A grant is provided to it by the Minister for Tourism and Trade. A co-ordinator with a victim support background has been appointed to head the team of volunteers who provide the service. They have a wide range of foreign languages and have received extensive training.