Public Order Offences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005

Tuesday, 25 October 2005

Questions (439)

Enda Kenny

Question:

507 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on incidents of public order offences in Kiltimagh, Charlestown and Ballyhaunis, County Mayo between 15 and 16 October 2005; the number of Garda personnel available to deal with such incidents; the number of arrests that were made; if a single squad car has to cover these towns at the weekends; the way in which he proposes to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30669/05]

Written answers

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that between 2.30 a.m and 3.30 a.m. on 16 October 2005 five different incidents were reported to gardaí in Swinford Garda district. Three of these incidents were public order disturbances at Charlestown, Kiltimagh and Swinford. The other incidents concerned the sexual assault of a female in Kiltimagh and a wandering horse on a public road. The occurrence of the public order incidents were unique in that they happened almost simultaneously. Each reported incident was attended to by members of the Garda Síochána and Garda management is satisfied that there were sufficient resources available to deal with all incidents. I am further informed that the incidents are being thoroughly investigated with a view to preparing an investigation file for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions for direction.