Vol. 561 No. 1
472 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report from the Garda on the growing instances of joyriding offences particularly on the northside of Dublin; the information which he has received regarding the trend in such offences; and his views on the response which is necessary both in terms of deployment of Garda resources, and in terms of policy and legislative initiatives in order to deal with this problem. [3609/03]
I am kept informed on an ongoing basis by the Garda authorities on the problem of joyriding.
In response to the problem, operational strategies have been put in place by local Garda management in areas that have been identified as potential hot spots for joyriding. Specialist patrols and vehicles are concentrated in these areas to deal with public order and joyriding incidents.
The Garda 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.
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.
