I am assured by the Garda authorities that the gardaí are fully aware of the concerns associated with Hallowe'en celebrations and that each division in the Dublin metropolitan region prepared a plan for the policing of Hallowe'en 2001 as part of Operation Tombola. The operation had four main objectives: to provide a Garda presence to all sections of the community in the lead up to and during Hallowe'en 2001; to pay particular attention to off-licence outlets and licensed premises to prevent and detect abuse of liquor licensing laws; to liaise with local authorities to ensure that stockpiles of bonfire material were removed by the local authorities as a matter of urgency – I am informed that this proved very successful; and to have gardaí visit both primary and secondary schools to present a Hallowe'en safety package to pupils, which contained a video presentation and information on the dangers of fireworks.
I am also informed that numerous searches of premises were carried out as part of Operation Tombola and that significant seizures were made. There were also significant ‘on street' detections. For example, on 19 October 2001, £50,000 worth of fireworks, contained in a transit van and intended for supply to street traders, was intercepted in the Kevin Street area.