Róisín Shortall
Question:43 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he intends to take to deal with the problem of joyriding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2901/03]
Written Answers. - Garda Operations.
Joe Costello
Question:117 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to deal with renewed problem of joyriding that led to the recent death of a taxi driver in Dublin and that is causing serious problems in many communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3044/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 117 together.
There are a number of strategies in place to tackle the problem of so-called joyriding.
Targeted operations have been put in place by local Garda management in areas that have been identified as potential hotspots for joyriding. Specialist patrols and vehicles are concentrated in these areas to deal with public order and joyriding incidents.
Persons serving prison sentences for persistent offences related to joyriding offences are not granted early temporary release except in the most exceptional circumstances.
The gardaí are constantly liaising with community groups and a number of projects are in operation which have proved valuable in dealing with offenders.
The Garda and local authorities are working together in relation to estate management and reducing the opportunities for joyriding. For example, physical changes such as barriers and speed ramps are being used to reduce access to areas frequented by youths engaged in these activities.
Cars without tax and insurance are impounded by the gardaí and removed to compounds. In the Dublin metropolitan region, there is a dedicated car compound located at the Talbot complex in Santry. Car compounds are being provided at all newly built divisional/district headquarters provided that there is sufficient physical space on the site.
In relation to abandoned cars, the Waste Management Act 1996 specifically prohibits the abandonment of vehicles on any land and empowers local authorities to deal appropriately with the abandoned vehicles. The enforcement and implementation of these provisions is a matter for the individual local authorities. I understand that, in general, the local authorities that provide this service have entered into agreements with locally permitted operators to take the vehicles in question for dismantling and/or recovery.
I am assured by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2002, are adequate to deal with situations where persons use or take possession of mechanically propelled vehicles without the consent of the owner.
This is a complex issue which has resulted in tragedy for several families in recent times. While requiring significant inputs from the criminal justice system, this issue can only be tackled to lasting effect through a multi-faceted and multi-agency response involving both the community and relevant statutory bodies.