asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the approximate cost of the damage done annually to public telephone kiosks throughout the country; and if, in view of the vandalism in this particular field, he has any suggestions to deal with the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Kiosk Vandalism
79.
The average annual cost of malicious damage to public telephone kiosks in the last two years was about £7,800. Malicious damage to kiosks is a problem in most countries and I know of no country where a satisfactory solution has been found. Certain measures are taken to minimise the extent of such damage. For instance, sites for kiosks are selected, as far as possible, where they will be least vulnerable to damage — for example, on main well-lighted thoroughfares, near Garda stations and 24-hours service garages. Kiosks which are subject to excessive vandalism are removed to alternative sites; and all cases of vandalism are reported to the garda, particular attention being drawn to those kiosks which have suffered a high incidence of malicious damage or theft. The Department are keeping in touch with any developments of a technical kind which might be helpful. Finally, the inculcation of a greater sense of civic responsibility towards public property generally would contribute towards a solution of the problem.