Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Ivor Callely

Question:

120 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the additional number of gardaí required in the Dublin metropolitan area to respond to the high levels of crime; the number of uniformed gardaí required to ensure safety on the streets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18882/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to different areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the policing requirements of the Dublin metropolitan area are continually monitored by the Assistant Commissioner responsible for the area with a view to ensuring that Garda resources are deployed to optimium benefit. The Garda authorities report that at present he is satisfied that all resources in the Dublin metropolitan area, including uniform, detective and specialist units, are deployed effectively and are sufficient to meet current policing needs. I understand from the Garda authorities that the current strength of the Dublin metropolitan area is 3,977 gardaí, all ranks.

The Garda authorities have reviewed their operations in regard to combating the drugs problem in Dublin city and the Garda Commissioner announced a new strategy, Operation Dóchas, which came into effect on 7 October 1996. The new strategy will operate in all Dublin districts and will involve the deployment of in excess of 500 uniformed and plain-clothes gardaí. Uniformed gardaí will adopt a high profile through both foot patrols and mobile patrols and will work to forge greater links with local communities, both community leaders and individual families. Backup will be provided by specialist mobile units and other units.

I am confident that, with the support of the community, this strategy will tackle drugs related crime and in particular that it will bring an end to the unacceptable practice of open street dealing. The Garda authorities inform me that the above strategy will be kept under review for an initial period of three months and that any changes necessary will be made to ensure its success. It should, of course, be noted that while the predominant emphasis of this operation is drugs it also extends to crime and all policing matters.

Furthermore, one of the main elements of the anti-crime measures which I announced in July of this year was the recruitment of a further 400 gardaí to the force over the period July 1996 to October 1997. This is in addition to the 350 gardaí already being recruited this year and another 350 planned for in 1997. The anti-crime package also provided for the recruitment of an additional 200 civilians to facilitate the release of an equivalent number of gardaí for operational duties.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

121 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to patrol the Border areas in order to guard against a paramilitary attack, particularly in view of the fact that the Garda have been withdrawn from the Border as a result of the BSE situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18883/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that security measures are in place to counter the use or threat of use of paramilitary violence at any location in the State including the Border areas. As I indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 235 and 238 on 15 October 1996 there are 153 members of the Garda Síochána on temporary transfer to the Border divisions at present as part of the BSE operation. The Garda authorities inform me that the overall garda strength in those divisions, supported as necessary by the Defence Forces in their role as an aid to the Civil Power, will continue to be kept under review.