I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Encounter was commenced by the then Commissioner in February 2002. The Operation specifically targets offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, which include the sale and consumption of alcohol by underage persons.
Garda patrols are directed to pay particular attention to areas where persons tend to congregate and where the likelihood of both anti-social behaviour and drinking may occur, in order to reduce incidences of public disorder and anti-social behaviour.
All members of An Garda Síochána proactively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour. Areas subject to such behaviour have been identified as hot-spots by local Garda management, and additional foot and mobile patrols are directed at these areas during times when these offences are more likely to occur. All such incidents detected by members on patrol or reported to An Garda Síochána are dealt with immediately and the suspected offenders are dealt with in accordance with the law. Almost 600,000 offences have been detected since the commencement of Operation Encounter. The costs of Operation Encounter are met from the Garda Vote, and it would require a disproportionate use of Garda resources to compile the information requested.
Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities as a result of Operation Encounter or otherwise are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge penalty notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.
Local policing plans are predicated on the prevention of anti-social and public order offences, the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents.
Senior Garda management is satisfied that adequate resources are available to address these types of criminality. Personnel allocations are constantly monitored by local Garda management.