Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 6

Written Answers - School Security Measures.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

119 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request the Garda authorities to pay particular attention to problems arising from vandalism at Scoil Santain, the all Irish primary school in Avonmore Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5096/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Scoil Santain, situated off the Avonmore Road, Tallaght has been subjected to burglaries, criminal damage and theft. A full investigation is under way by the Garda detective unit in Tallaght. They are currently awaiting the results of a Garda technical examination carried out following the most recent break-in. There have been no further break-ins in recent weeks. A number of possible suspects have been identified.

A public meeting was attended by a Garda inspector and sergeant following the break-in. Those attending the meeting were assured of increased Garda patrols in the vicinity of the school for the foreseeable future. As a result of this meeting an action committee is now in place to review security measures at the school. A community Garda sergeant attends all meetings on notification from the school.

The community Garda for this neighbourhood visits the school on each of his daily beats. All sergeants in Tallaght Garda station have instructed their respective units to give extra attention to the school. Every public order unit visits the school on a number of occasions during its patrol.

Operation Assist, which involves personnel from the Garda mounted unit, Garda air support unit and Garda dog unit working closely with local personnel, is currently in operation in the Tallaght sub-district. I am assured that Scoil Santain will receive attention as part of this operation.