I have been informed by the Garda authorities that during September 2004 a number of complaints were received from local residents regarding anti-social behaviour by groups of youths. In response, local Garda management carried out a covert operation, over a number of days, with a view to targeting the individuals involved. As a result, seven youths were stopped, searched and moved on. Eleven youths found drinking were cautioned by gardaí and brought home to their parents. One adult who is alleged to have purchased the alcohol will be subject to criminal proceedings. I understand that there has been one arrest for public order and one arrest for criminal damage in the area. Garda authorities have informed me that, since this operation, there have been no recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
Two gardaí are specifically allocated to the area which receives regular patrol from both mobile and foot patrols, and this will continue. Local management also met representatives of three local residents groups on 18 October 2004, who conveyed their appreciation for the Garda action and stated that they had noted the increased Garda presence. An initiative to incorporate the area into a neighbourhood watch scheme is under way.
I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength, as at 29 October 2004, of Cabra Garda station was 64, all ranks, the strength of Mountjoy Garda station was 88, all ranks, and the strength at Bridewell Garda station was 164, all ranks. For security and operational reasons, it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of personnel working in any particular area at any given time.