Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
277 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps to restore order in a housing estate (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if senior Garda management will act in concert with Dublin City Council to restore law and order and to give the vast majority of decent people who live in the estate respite from this continuing ordeal of harassment and intimidation. [23706/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities that Crumlin Garda station and Dublin City Council work closely together in relation to the housing estate in question. They have further informed me that information has been supplied to the council by the Garda authorities under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, and two families are currently before the courts.
I understand that the majority of calls to the estate relate to children or young persons involved in general disorder. Of the 14 calls to the estate by the Garda Síochána since 1 September 2004, eight have referred to public order offences occurring at the entrance to the estate where these youths congregate. I can inform the Deputy that a community Garda was assigned to the area and patrols the estate on a regular basis. The area is also patrolled by local uniformed and plain clothes personnel. The divisional task force and drugs units are also involved in the area.
There is also a Garda youth diversion project in the area. The project has a full time co-ordinator and works with approximately 35 young persons between the ages of 12 and 17. This project is a community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiative which seeks to divert young persons from becoming involved — or further involved — in anti-social and-or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the project also contributes to improving the quality of life in communities and enhancing Garda-community relations. I am assured that the estate in question will continue to receive Garda attention.
