asked the Minister for Justice whether in view of the continuing prevalence of attacks, with in some cases severe physical violence, on persons even in much frequented streets of Dublin, such attacks being made in many cases by gangs, he will state what steps he can take to ensure that citizens can go about their lawful business in the city without fear of such attacks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Street Attacks.
35.
While the crime figures for assaults, woundings et cetera have not shown an upward trend in Dublin in recent years, it is true to say that crimes of this type are still all too prevalent. The Garda Síochána give constant attention to such violent crimes where they occur and they will continue to do all they can to deal with the problem.
Special late night Garda patrols, especially at week-ends, are provided in particular areas and it is expected that these patrols together with the ordinary beat patrols and mobile patrols operating from the local Garda stations will be effective.
Is the Minister aware that this problem is more serious than he has been informed by his Department? There are many people who are afraid to report these attacks to the gardaí for fear of reprisal by some of these gangs. Would the Minister not consider putting more men on the beat rather than in patrol cars and increasing the use of trained dogs? There are many people in my constituency and all over Dublin who are afraid to go out at night. This is no longer a country where people can go about in peace.
The Deputy may not have heard the first part of the reply that I have read out to the effect that the gardaí are giving constant attention to these violent crimes. I have also stated that particular areas—and I do not want to specify them—where these crimes to which the Deputy refers are prevalent are getting particular attention and that the gardaí have made special provision to keep an eye on them particularly at week-ends. My information is that they expect that these steps they have taken will be effective in these areas.