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Crime Prevention.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2004

Tuesday, 25 May 2004

Questions (333)

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

353 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has put in place to provide more police on the streets in areas in which marginalised sections of society frequent, in particular in and around areas where gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender persons socialise, to reduce the number of shocking violent attacks that are taking place against members of the GLBT community; if, in addition his Department has consulted with the voluntary community group, Johnny, that provides services to gay and bisexual men in Dublin and the greater Dublin area regarding this issue. [15226/04]

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Written answers

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they have for a number of years maintained a good relationship with the gay community and are in regular contact with those who represent the gay perspective on a variety of issues. I have been further informed that 14 Garda have received special familiarisation training and were appointed as liaison officers to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, GLBT. These gardaí are based in Pearse Street, Cabra, Cabinteely, and Bridewell in Dublin, Cork city, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, West Galway, Longford, Westmeath and Dundalk in the domestic violence and sexual assault unit and community relations.

The Garda authorities have also established a national advisory panel, which includes members who represent the GLBT perspective, to assist and inform gardaí on matters relating to their community.

Garda management is satisfied that the areas frequented by members of the GLBT community are adequately policed and some of these areas are also monitored by CCTV cameras. The policing requirements in these areas are reviewed on an ongoing basis so as to enable a response to any particular eventuality should the need arise.

My Department has not had any consultations with the Johnny group. However, Garda community relations section has made the group aware of the services of the Garda Síochána available to them in relation to crime prevention and are available to meet with the group if they so wish.

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