I am informed by the Garda authorities that over the Christmas and new year period, a number of incidents of criminal damage, larceny, public order offences and burglaries took place in the Castlebar area, which gave rise to a public meeting on the matter. I am further informed that this criminal activity was attributable to a gang of juveniles, five of whom have been arrested and charged with 77 individual offences, which took place over a period of several months.
On the 10 February 2000 a meeting took place at Castlebar Garda station between representatives of the probation and welfare service, health board, social services and local Garda management to co-ordinate measures in addressing the needs of these juveniles in a multi-agency approach. I am also informed that crime prevention measures have been stepped up in Castlebar, and that a special patrol involving detective and uniformed gardaí is deployed to curb juvenile crime.
As the Deputy will be aware, the allocation of Garda resources is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. The Garda authorities inform me, however, that local Garda management are satisfied that they have the resources necessary to provide adequate policing arrangements in Castlebar.