I propose to take Questions Nos. 538 and 548 together.
I share the widespread outrage at the recent incidents of aggravated burglary in the Donegal area, as highlighted at the meeting referred to, and condemn in the strongest possible terms those who prey on vulnerable and isolated members of our community in this way.
The Gardaí are determined to identify those responsible for these crimes and to bring them before the Courts. In this regard I am aware that additional resources have been deployed to support an Operation in the Donegal Division with a particular focus on crimes against the elderly and including intelligence led patrols, checkpoints, intelligence gathering and analysis. This operation is being run in conjunction with the National and Regional Operations Fiacla and Airgead, set up to combat instances of criminality, including burglary and related crimes. Targeted patrolling has been intensified following the recent incidents of burglaries and related crimes, and there is ongoing and excellent liaison between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána.
As part of operation Fiacla, these methods have been proven to be successful nationally, with several thousand arrests and prosecutions for burglary offences, reflected in the most recent crime figures which show burglary incidents down by more than 10%. Notwithstanding the recent disturbing incidents, I am also advised that Garda crime figures for burglary and for offences against the person are also down within the specific Donegal area. I fully appreciate that these statistics will be cold comfort to those who have recently undergone the traumatic experience of being burgled and assaulted, but I feel that it is important to cite this information, to illustrate the success and determination of Garda efforts to reduce these crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
An Garda Síochána also continue to work closely with communities through Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch and other organisations to provide expert crime prevention advice and support to communities. The Garda commitment to this approach was underlined in the new guidelines for communities wishing to set up community crime prevention schemes which were launched by the Commissioner and myself last year. I understand that work is ongoing within the Donegal Division with respect to the establishment and revitalisation where appropriate of a number of Community Alert Schemes, as part of overall crime prevention awareness.
With regard to funding being made available to set up Community Alert Schemes from money collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau, I can inform the Deputy that all monies collected by the Criminal Assets Bureau are returned to the Exchequer in accordance with relevant legislation. Such funds are paid into the Government's Central Fund, from which the Government draws for expenditure on all necessary public services and investment. While it has, from time to time, been suggested that such monies should be used to fund community projects, the suggestion is considered problematic and raises a number of practical issues on which I have previously advised the House. Therefore, while I appreciate the symbolic value to the Deputy's suggestion, I hope he will accept that there are no proposals to change the existing arrangements concerning the destination of such monies.
However, in relation to Community Alert my Department has, for many years, provided funding for the programme which is operated by Muintir na Tíre in partnership with the Garda authorities and which supports the operation of over 1,300 local groups. Funding totalling €152,000 was provided by my Department in 2013 which supports the employment and associated costs of a National Coordinator and Development Officers for the scheme. The work of Community Alert continues to be highly valued and decisions on the precise level of funding which may be provided by my Department in 2014 will be made as soon as possible in the context of the available resources.
With regard to funding for alarm systems for elderly persons, the position is that
the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government provides funding for the Senior Alert Scheme. The aim of the Scheme is to ensure independent living for those over 65 who live alone. A key element of the Scheme is the provision of funding for a personal monitored alarm and I am aware that Community Alert and other community organisations provide advice and assistance at a local level with respect to applications under the scheme.
