Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013
257. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for dealing with the increase in armed robberies in Dublin; his views on the recent robbery in Howth (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54949/13]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management are aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy. A dedicated investigation team has been assigned to investigate this incident and all lines of inquiry are being pursued. I am advised that Gardaí are maintaining contact with the injured parties to keep them informed of progress.
Local Garda units, plain clothes and uniform, regularly patrol the area concerned, augmented by other Divisional resources. These local units are supported by Garda National Units as the need arises in the investigation of serious criminal offences, including armed crime. Local Garda resources are supported as required with a round-the-clock armed response from specialist units.
While I appreciate the Deputy's concern about the type of crime referred to, I should point out that the latest crime statistics, published today by the Central Statistics Office, show that the rate of burglary has decreased by 10.4% nationally for the twelve months ending 31 October 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. 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.
These initiatives operate alongside ongoing community policing measures, including problem solving with the community and providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary.
In conclusion, I am assured that local Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in the area to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
