Written Answers. - Garda Operations.
Finian McGrath
Question:
1167
Mr. F. McGrath
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if he refused to meet the Lord Mayor of Dublin to discuss the crime situation in the capital city; and if he has practical strategies to deal with gangland deaths, a rise in racism, anti-social behaviour and better use of Garda resources.
[20226/03]
I can assure the Deputy that I did not refuse to meet the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr. Royston Brady. Last Thursday I had a useful meeting with the Lord Mayor and Councillors Frances Fitzgerald, Vincent Jackson and Dermot Lacey. Among other issues, we discussed the work of the Garda Síochána and my Department in regard to crime detection and prevention and how Dublin City Council might contribute to making Dublin a safer city.
The Garda authorities have put a number of initiatives in place to deal with anti-social behaviour in Dublin. Among these is a new city centre policing initiative which was launched on 9 June 2003 by the Assistant Garda Commissioner for the Dublin metropolitan region. This initiative provides high visibility policing presence in specific target areas in the north and south inner city centre areas. It targets issues of concern such as public order, assaults, street theft, shoplifting, addicts, beggars and general vagrancy. Another Garda initiative, Operation Boulevard, targets anti-social behaviour in the environs of O'Connell Street.
With regard to gang-related deaths, the term "gangland killing" or "organised crime" is widely used by the media in referring to the nature of certain serious crimes, including a number of unlawful killings. It is often qualified by the suggestion that the victim was "known to the gardaí". While this speculation is understandable, it does not correspond to the manner in which the Garda Síochána classifies crime or individual offences.
I have had a number of meetings with the Garda Commissioner and other senior Garda personnel to discuss crimes which might be put in the category of gangland or organised crime. I am satisfied that the necessary resources, both financial and operational, are being directed towards the containment and detection of such serious criminal activity. I have also confirmed to the Garda authorities my willingness to consider any further measures which they feel would assist in addressing this problem.
I am glad to note that the fourth and latest report of the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism, which covers the period November 2002 to April 2003, does not support the suggestion of an ongoing increase in racist incidents. I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 663 of 10 June 2003 for a detailed account of the Government's anti-racism strategy.
The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2002, gives the gardaí significant additional powers when dealing with anti-social behaviour. In addition, all sections of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, have been in operation since yesterday, Monday, 29 September 2003. The latest provisions to come into effect change the closing time on Thursdays to 11.30 p.m., grant licensees discretion to exclude young persons from bars, and oblige persons aged 18 to 20 to carry an age document if they wish to purchase alcohol. I am confident that these reforms will improve compliance with, and enforcement of, the licensing laws. The many structural reforms to the licensing system recommended by the Commission on Liquor Licensing will be addressed in the codification of the licensing code. I expect that an outline of a codification Bill will be available by mid-2004.
Finally, as the Deputy will be aware, the preliminary draft scheme of the Garda Síochána Bill 2003, made public on 30 July, contains a number of measures on the organisation, management, performance and accountability of the Garda Síochána aimed at improving the efficient and effective use of Garda resources. The publication of the preliminary draft scheme allows all concerned, and the public at large, the opportunity to take part in the consultative process that will inform the drafting process of the Bill.
Question No. 1168 answered with Question No. 1158.
