Thomas P. Broughan
Question:801. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the budget allocation to the Garda witness programme in the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013. [46586/13]
View answerWitness Protection Programme
Questions (801)
Written answers
The budgets allocated to the Garda Witness Security Programme for the years 2011 - 2013 are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Estimate Provision |
|
2011 |
€0.700 million |
|
2012 |
€1.198 million |
|
2012 |
€1.198 million |
As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána operates a Witness Security Programme to respond to attempts by criminal and other groups to prevent the normal functioning of the criminal justice system, including threats of violence and systematic intimidation of witnesses. By virtue of the highly confidential nature of the Programme and the need to maintain the protection of persons in that Programme, it is not the policy nor would it be appropriate to detail the specifics of its operation.
Asylum Applications
Questions (802)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:802. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who have applied for asylum in the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the number of asylum applications approved and refused during that period; and if he will provide the number of persons currently residing in the direct provision system. [46591/13]
View answerWritten answers
The number of applications for asylum received in 2011, 2012 and 2013 were 1290, 956 and 687 (to end September, 2013) respectively. Over the same period, 391 persons were granted asylum status whereas 3,255 were refused.
The number of asylum applicants currently residing in the Direct Provision system is 4,344, almost 30% fewer than the number of persons accommodated at the end of 2010 which stood at 6,107.
Road Traffic Offences
Questions (803)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:803. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the rate of enforcement of the speed limit on roads here by An Garda Síochána in the years 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will provide a breakdown of the number of motorists detected having exceeded the speed limit in each of the Garda districts. [46592/13]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána is committed to working closely with all road safety agencies to focus on high risk behaviour, including speeding, with the key objective of reducing the number of serious injury collisions and fatalities on our roads. Levels of enforcement are high and involve targeted policing and awareness raising measures, including the deployment of safety cameras throughout the country.
In so far as detections are concerned, I am informed by the Garda authorities that fixed charge notices are issued for relevant speeding offences. Such notices are classified into 'intercept' and 'non-intercept' detections. 'Non-intercept' offences are recorded by fixed and mobile speed cameras, which include speed cameras operated by Go Safe as well as Garda mobile speed detection 'Robot' vehicles. These are distinct from 'intercept' speeding offences which are detected by members of An Garda Síochána in person.
I am advised that the following tables set out the number of intercept and non-intercept incidents of speeding recorded in each of the Garda Divisions in 2012 and to end of August, 2013. It should be noted that the figures are provisional, operational and liable to change.
Table 1: The number of speeding incidents recorded by Garda Division to 31 August, 2013
|
Garda Division |
Intercept |
Non-intercept |
Total |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
642 |
2398 |
3040 |
|
Clare |
1255 |
2950 |
4205 |
|
Cork City |
1071 |
1776 |
2847 |
|
Cork North |
1096 |
8947 |
10043 |
|
Cork West |
679 |
2075 |
2754 |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
2373 |
564 |
2937 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
818 |
1681 |
2499 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
1850 |
6774 |
8624 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
1120 |
4649 |
5769 |
|
D.M.R. Southern |
936 |
2176 |
3112 |
|
D.M.R. Western |
3533 |
12031 |
15564 |
|
Donegal |
225 |
1617 |
1842 |
|
Galway Div |
1289 |
4492 |
5781 |
|
Kerry |
135 |
2402 |
2537 |
|
Kildare Div |
1203 |
6126 |
7329 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
1000 |
3911 |
4911 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
1067 |
3271 |
4338 |
|
Limerick |
1536 |
8883 |
10419 |
|
Louth Div |
334 |
1962 |
2296 |
|
Mayo |
329 |
1717 |
2046 |
|
Meath Div |
1120 |
2409 |
3529 |
|
Roscommon/Longford Div |
642 |
3456 |
4098 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
400 |
4692 |
5092 |
|
Tipperary |
944 |
3121 |
4065 |
|
Waterford Div |
960 |
2744 |
3704 |
|
Westmeath Div |
980 |
2246 |
3226 |
|
Wexford Div |
697 |
2663 |
3360 |
|
Wicklow Div |
738 |
4250 |
4988 |
|
Total |
28,972 |
105,983 |
134,955 |
Table 2: The number of speeding incidents recorded by Garda Division in 2012
|
Garda Division |
Intercept |
Non-intercept |
Total |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
400 |
4167 |
4567 |
|
Clare |
1738 |
5750 |
7488 |
|
Cork City |
2704 |
6224 |
8928 |
|
Cork North |
2291 |
11905 |
14196 |
|
Cork West |
1442 |
2738 |
4180 |
|
D.M.R. Eastern |
4014 |
931 |
4945 |
|
D.M.R. North Central |
1170 |
6559 |
7729 |
|
D.M.R. Northern |
2862 |
14902 |
17764 |
|
D.M.R. South Central |
1484 |
7266 |
8750 |
|
D.M.R. Southern |
1546 |
4506 |
6052 |
|
D.M.R. Western |
5343 |
15600 |
20943 |
|
Donegal |
332 |
5249 |
5581 |
|
Galway Div |
2414 |
7275 |
9689 |
|
Kerry |
474 |
4784 |
5258 |
|
Kildare Div |
1721 |
10518 |
12239 |
|
Kilkenny/Carlow |
1582 |
6586 |
8168 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
1570 |
3590 |
5160 |
|
Limerick |
2319 |
10330 |
12649 |
|
Louth Div |
792 |
4790 |
5582 |
|
Mayo |
629 |
1751 |
2380 |
|
Meath Div |
422 |
6623 |
7045 |
|
Roscommon/Longford Div |
1235 |
7809 |
9044 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
773 |
8674 |
9447 |
|
Tipperary |
1512 |
3146 |
4658 |
|
Waterford Div |
1771 |
2994 |
4765 |
|
Westmeath Div |
1430 |
2225 |
3655 |
|
Wexford Div |
978 |
2347 |
3325 |
|
Wicklow Div |
690 |
10164 |
10854 |
|
Total |
45,638 |
179,403 |
225,041 |
Road Traffic Offences
Questions (804)
Arthur Spring
Question:804. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if it is appropriate that a person (details supplied) in County Kerry should go to court in view of the fact that the fine was paid just past the deadline. [46603/13]
View answerWritten answers
The payment of a fixed charge in respect of a speeding offence is a discretionary option for the recipient of a fixed charge notice following their detection for speeding. The relevant road traffic legislation provides an initial period of 28 days from the date of the notice, during which payment is accepted at the original charge. If no payment is received, a second notice is issued and a further period of 28 days is provided during which payment is accepted at the fixed charge plus 50%. Only if no payment is made by that date is the recipient liable for prosecution for the offence alleged. Once this occurs the matter then proceeds to be dealt with by the courts.
The Deputy will appreciate that road traffic legislation is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. I am informed that a number of legislative changes are contained in the Road Traffic Act, 2010 which provide that a person who is served with a summons in respect of a fixed charge offence will have a further option to pay a fixed charge, of an amount 100% greater than the original fixed charge, not later than seven days before the date of the court on which the charge is to be heard. The section further provides that, if the person pays, the fixed charge proceedings in respect of the alleged offence will be discontinued and the person need not attend the court on the day. I understand the measures necessary to enable this provision to be brought into effect are being addressed at present.
Garda Investigations
Questions (805)
Clare Daly
Question:805. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will carry out a separate investigation into the termination of fixed charge notices where the comment box was left blank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45963/13]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Síochána provided two reports relating to the Fixed charge Processing System, namely the report of 28 March 2013 prepared by Assistant Commissioner John O'Mahoney of his examination into the allegations of irregularities in the operation of the Fixed Charge Processing System, and the report of April 2013 from the Garda Professional Standards Unit which looked at the processes and systems in this area. These two reports recommended a number of changes aimed at ensuring that any deficiencies highlighted in the system are addressed and all administrative procedures are correctly and rigidly followed throughout the Force in relation to the cancellation of fixed charge notices. In addition, the C&AG report of October 2013 also covered the operation of the system and recommended that all terminations are supported by appropriate documentary evidence. I do not see a need for further investigation into the matter at this point in time.
Council of Europe Conventions
Questions (806)
Joanna Tuffy
Question:806. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on plans to sign the European Convention on Domestic Violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46624/13]
View answerWritten answers
As I have indicated previously in response to questions on this issue, Ireland supports, in principle, the aims and terms of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. However, before putting the question of signing the Convention to Cabinet, the legislative and administrative changes that might be required to implement the Convention should be established.
As I have also stated previously, my Department is examining these matters in conjunction with the government commitment to introduce consolidated and reformed domestic violence legislation to address all aspects of domestic violence, threatened violence and intimidation, in a way that provides protection to victims.
The relevant divisions of my Department are considering a wide range of proposals including proposals for reform from voluntary sector organisations.
In addition I am aware that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality are to shortly examine the issue of domestic violence with a view to compiling a report with recommendations on what measures can be put in place to reduce domestic violence. It is my intention to examine a package of workable and effective proposals for the reform of the domestic violence legislation as soon as possible following receipt of their report.
Consultations with other Government Departments and State agencies in relation to the Convention are to be undertaken shortly to fully establish legislative and administrative changes that may be necessary for ratification of the Convention.
Garda Operations
Questions (807)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:807. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of fireworks seized by gardaí in the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the monetary value of the fireworks seized in each of those years; the number of persons arrested and charged in respect of possession or misuse of fireworks; and the number of convictions obtained in respect of such offences. [46650/13]
View answerWritten answers
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner and I will reply to the Deputy when the report is to hand.
Legislative Process
Questions (808)
Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
Question:808. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the option of imposing the in camera rule will be taken away from our court judges in family law cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46665/13]
View answerWritten answers
Part 2 of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013 effects the most recent amendment of the statutory provisions in relation to the in camera rule for family law cases. It amends the in camera rule to allow press access to the courts in family law and child care proceedings subject to a strict prohibition on the publication of any material which would lead to the identification of the parties or children involved. The courts retain the power to exclude representatives of the Press or restrict or prohibit the publication of evidence given in the proceedings in certain circumstances.
The provisions, which will be commenced in the near future, aim to provide for a careful balancing of the need for privacy for persons involved in family law and child care proceedings with the need to ensure access to important information on the operation of family and child care law in our courts.
Garda Investigations
Questions (809)
Clare Daly
Question:809. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the action he is taking in relation to the racist material posted on the greyhound nuts website and which posted significant anti-Roma and anti-Traveller commentary; and if this is a breach of the Prohibition of Incitement to Racial, Religious or National Hatred Act 1989. [46667/13]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the material referred to is being examined by An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will appreciate that the question of any further action or investigation in relation to this issue is a matter for the Garda authorities and it would not be appropriate for me to comment in this regard.
Citizenship Applications
Questions (810)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:810. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a person of English nationality, who has been married to an Irish citizen for over 40 years and has lived in County Kerry since 2000, must pay €175 to apply for Irish citizenship and, if accepted, pay €950 for the citizenship; the reason the fee is so high for someone married to an Irish national and living in Ireland for over ten years; if there is a way to waive this fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46718/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 set out the prescribed fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation. An application fee of €175 is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a fee is payable by applicants on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation. The standard certification fee is €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of refugees and stateless persons the certification fee is nil. There is no legal provision to waive the applicable statutory fees in any circumstance.
The standard fees payable by an applicant are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing applications for a certificate of naturalisation. Every application, including those made on the basis of marriage to an Irish citizen, must be assessed to establish if the statutory requirements are met. The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
As the Deputy will be aware I have introduced formal citizenship ceremonies at no extra cost to applicants. These have been universally well received by participants as the ceremonies provide a sense of dignity and occasion that serves to underscore the importance to both the State and the applicant of the granting of Irish citizenship.
Magdalen Laundries Issues
Questions (811)
Dara Calleary
Question:811. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason the laundry at St. Joseph's in Clifden, County Galway, was not included in the Magdalen laundry list for the purposes of the redress scheme; if he will acknowledge that St. Joseph's laundry, Clifden, was a Magdalen laundry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46722/13]
View answerWritten answers
The McAleese report and the ex-gratia Scheme recommended by Mr Justice Quirke relate to the 10 Magdalen laundries that operated within the State. As an exceptional measure, the Government decided that the women from two other institutions who had, from an early stage, participated in the representative groups and met with Ministers and others on this matter should also be included. No other institutions are being included within the scheme.
With regard to St. Joseph's Clifden, I am satisfied that this institution was not a Magdalen laundry. It was an industrial school for girls and junior boys and is listed in the schedule of relevant institutions under the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002.
Oireachtas Joint Committee Reports
Questions (812)
Brendan Ryan
Question:812. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to the recommendation in the Report on the Review of the Legislation on Prostitution in Ireland, calling on penalising the purchase of sexual services of another person by means of prostitution, or any request, agreement or attempt to do so, if provision for this recommendation and other recommendations made in the report will be published by his Department; if so, the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46723/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy's question concerns the recent report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on hearings and submissions on the current review of prostitution legislation. The Joint Committee published its report on 27 June last.
The position is that I have written to the Chairman seeking clarification of recommendations made by the Joint Committee. I have also requested legal advices from the Attorney General, and the views of the Minister for Health, on the report.
Crime Levels
Questions (813)
Seán Kenny
Question:813. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there has been a significant increase in the level of burglaries in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46751/13]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Raheny Garda Sub-District.
The area is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes crime prevention patrols, which are augmented by the Detective Unit, Community Policing Unit together with the Divisional Traffic Unit and Divisional Crime Task Force Unit.
Local Garda Management closely monitors such patrols, and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation is kept under review and paramount consideration is given to the needs of residents. Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities in the area concerned and that current structures in place meet the requirements of the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service.
I am further informed that Garda data shows a decrease in burglaries in the Raheny area, in line with the national trend. As the Deputy may be aware the latest crime statistics show that the rate of burglary has decreased by 8.9% nationally for twelve months ending 30 June 2013 and this underlines the impact being made by Gardaí under Operation Fiacla. As part of the measures which are coordinated under Operation Fiacla, Operation Acer is in force throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region, including Raheny. It is an intelligence driven operation and includes analysis led checkpoints and patrols to target specific areas and case manage targeted offenders. These arrangements are kept under review to ensure adjustments are made to maintain the effective focus of the operation.
Operation Acer operates alongside ongoing community policing measures, including problem solving with the community and ongoing liaison with schools, businesses and households in providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary.
Equality Issues
Questions (814)
Finian McGrath
Question:814. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that our laws are being implemented in a fair manner in respect of all ethnic minorities. [46762/13]
View answerWritten answers
There are robust mechanisms already in place in legislation to deal with discrimination, hate speech and racist crime and these apply equally to all persons regardless of citizenship or ethnic origin. Human rights training is provided to public officials including members of An Garda Síochána, members of the Defence Forces and custodial personnel working in the Irish Prison Service. The Human Rights Commission makes human rights training available on request to the civil and public service. Similar facilities in respect of equality and combating discrimination are available from the Equality Authority. In line with the Programme for Government commitment to "require all public bodies to take due note of equality and human rights in carrying out their functions", I am providing in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Bill for creation of a positive duty on public bodies to do so and for the Commission to provide support and advice to public bodies in meeting that obligation.
Ireland's population has become increasingly diverse over the past two decades. I think it is fair to say that, in general, Irish people have been warm and welcoming to the large number of EU and non-EU residents who have now made Ireland their home. Intercommunal conflicts of the kind seen elsewhere have so far been absent from our society. However, we must not become complacent and we must be alert to the potential danger of the emergence of racial discord. I encourage anyone who has experienced racist abuse or has ever felt discriminated against because of their ethnic or national origin to come forward to the Equality Authority or An Garda Síochána and seek their assistance and protection.
Prisoner Health
Questions (815)
Finian McGrath
Question:815. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners in Irish prisons who have an intellectual disability. [46764/13]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested by him is not collected by the Irish Prison Service. However, I can assure the Deputy that all prisoners are medically assessed on committal to prison and treated as required. A doctor or other healthcare professional operating in the prison environment can following a clinical assessment make a referral to other inreach healthcare services or when necessary to external services. Professional inreach healthcare services are provided for a range of healthcare needs.
Crime Data
Questions (816)
Finian McGrath
Question:816. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of racially motivated crimes over the past 12 months. [46765/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.
I have requested the CSO to provide statistics directly to the Deputy.
Magdalen Laundries Issues
Questions (817)
Finian McGrath
Question:817. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the State downplayed the abuse suffered by the Magdalen women at the United Nations. [46766/13]
View answerWritten answers
The UN Committee against Torture (UNCAT) issued its concluding observations on Monday 6 June 2011, following Ireland’s first examination in Geneva, under Article 19 of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Its concluding observations covered a wide range of areas which impact on the remit of several Government Departments.
In relation to the Magdalen Laundries, the Committee recommended that "the State should institute prompt, independent, and thorough investigations into all allegations of torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment that were allegedly committed in the Magdalen Laundries and, in appropriate cases, prosecute and punish the perpetrators with penalties commensurate with the gravity of the offences committed, and ensure that all victims obtain redress and have an enforceable right to compensation including the means for as full rehabilitation as possible”.
While I had decided before the UNCAT observations were received to initiate an inquiry into Magdalen laundries, the outcome of that inquiry only became available in January 2013. The McAleese report provides an independent, comprehensive, factual account of the Magdalen institutions. Some of these institutions had ceased operations nearly 50 years previously and there was no reliable account available of their operations. It brought into the public arena a considerable amount of information not previously known. It also showed that many of the preconceptions about these institutions were not supported by the facts.
In particular nothing was discovered to suggest there was systematic torture or other criminal behaviour that would warrant a comprehensive criminal investigation with a view to multiple criminal prosecutions. This is not to rule out the possibility of isolated criminal offences or to down play the harsh conditions endured by the women in question. With regard to prosecutions, the only mechanism to prosecute and punish perpetrators for offences committed in this jurisdiction requires a criminal investigation, a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute and then a criminal trial. Irish law does not provide for any other type of inquiry to lead to criminal prosecutions. Any complaint of criminal behaviour made by any individual to the Gardaí regarding Magdalen laundries are matters that can be investigated by the Gardaí.
The Rapporteur for the follow-up on Concluding Observations of the UN Committee against Torture subsequently wrote seeking clarification and further information on a number of matters including matters relating to Magdalen Laundries. A detailed response to the queries raised was forwarded to the Rapporteur through the correct channels. The full McAleese Report is also available to the Rapporteur.
Garda Transport Provision
Questions (818)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:818. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda station at Ballinamore, County Leitrim does not have the use of a patrol car based at the station following a recent ramming incident; and when a replacement vehicle will be found to assist the gardaí based at Ballinamore. [46800/13]
View answerWritten answers
Decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and available resources.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda vehicle allocated to Ballinamore Garda Station, which was recently damaged, is currently being repaired and that another vehicle has been allocated to the station as an interim measure.
Overall, I am conscious of the continuing pressures on the Garda fleet and, in that regard, I am very pleased to have secured a further €9m for investment in the fleet, made up of €5m between now and the end of the year and a further €4m in 2014. At this stage, arising from the additional €5m being made available between October and December, the Garda authorities have arranged for the delivery of 305 new vehicles by the end of 2013. These are in addition to the 133 new Garda vehicles already made available during the year.
The most recent investment will bring to €18m the total amount spent on the Garda fleet for the three years 2012 to 2014. This represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána are provided with sufficient resources to enable them to deliver an effective and efficient policing service.
Naturalisation Applications
Questions (819)
Sandra McLellan
Question:819. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expedite a visa application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Cork; if any further documentation is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46806/13]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an application for a certificate of naturalisation has been received from the person referred to by the Deputy.
The application is being processed with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence, and will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
Until such a decision is reached the person concerned, as a non-national, remains subject to the provisions of immigration law including the requirement to remain lawfully resident in the State and to comply with their registration obligations in accordance with Section 9 of the Immigration Act 2004.
Crime Levels
Questions (820)
Finian McGrath
Question:820. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the incidents of burglary in the Kilbarrack area especially among homes owned by the elderly; if there is a proposal for community policing and Garda foot patrols in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46867/13]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is policed by Gardaí from the Raheny and Coolock Garda Districts. Local Garda Management is monitoring and responding to incidents of burglary in those areas, including a number in the Kilbarrack area, of which a small number involve the homes of elderly persons.
The area concerned is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes crime prevention patrols, which are augmented by the Detective Unit, Community Policing Unit together with the Divisional Traffic Unit and Divisional Crime Task Force Unit. Local Garda Management closely monitors such patrols, and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review and paramount consideration is given to the needs of residents. Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities in the area concerned and that current structures in place meet the requirements of the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service.
While I share the Deputy's concerns about any incidence of burglary, and crimes against the elderly in particular, as he will be aware the latest crime statistics show that the rate of burglary has decreased by 8.9% nationally for twelve months ending 30 June 2013 and this underlines the impact being made by Gardaí under Operation Fiacla. As part of the measures which are coordinated nationally under Operation Fiacla, Operation Acer is in force throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region, including Kilbarrack. It is an intelligence driven operation and includes analysis led checkpoints and patrols to target specific areas and case manage targeted offenders. These arrangements are kept under review to ensure adjustments are made to maintain the effective focus of the operation.
Operation Acer operates alongside ongoing community policing measures, including problem solving with the community and ongoing liaison with schools, businesses and households in providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary. In this regard, I am advised that members of the Community Policing Unit are due to convene a meeting in the Kilbarrack area on 7 November with a view to providing appropriate crime prevention advice to local elderly residents.