asked the Minister for Justice if he has considered the possibility of setting up a supplementary police force in the Dublin area to help prevent the spread of vandalism there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Area Vandalism.
43.
I am not satisfied that the setting up of a supplementary police force in the Dublin area would solve the problem of vandalism. The suggestion has been considered more than once but has not been adopted for reasons which appear to me to be valid.
As I mentioned in this House on 9th July last, when the incidence of vandalism was raised by Deputy Dr. Byrne, most of the damage is done by youngsters between 12 and 15 years of age. These youngsters are primarily the responsibility of their parents. My view is that positive action by parents, teachers and leaders of the community is the most effective way to deal with this problem. So far as the gardaí are concerned, every effort is being made to cope with vandalism, which is a feature of modern city life here and elsewhere. The strength of the force in Dublin was increased last year by 166 and I expect that the bulk of the increase in strength of 400 this year and next year will be assigned to this area.
Does the Minister not agree that vandalism is on the increase in the Dublin area?
I do; it is also increasing in other areas.
What justification can the Minister have for taking a police barracks out of one area where vandalism is obviously on the increase?
It is not taken out of the area. It is still in the same district.
It is gone completely from the district and the Minister knows it, right across the river. It may be in the same metropolitan area but it may as well be at the back of beyond so far as the people there are concerned.
Will the Minister say why he established a new barracks in Limerick?
To stop vandalism in Limerick.
The question relates to the Dublin area; we cannot travel the country, The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
On a point of order in relation to a question of last Wednesday when I asked the Tánaiste whether an increase in ESB charges was contemplated he replied: "Probably shortly," it now transpires that the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday gave permission for the increase in ESB charges, I want the Chair's guidance on how I may further question the Tánaiste?
It cannot be raised in this fashion.
Can the Chair make any suggestion as to how I may question the Tánaiste further because on Wednesday he gave no indication i to this House that the Cabinet had, in fact, decided——
We cannot debate the matter in this manner.
The Government is standing idly by again.
(Interruptions.)
Perhaps I could raise the subject matter of Question No. 12 on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
I should like to know why a question to the Minister for Local Government regarding the termination of heating to 2,800 flats in Ballymun without any regard to the adverse weather conditions at this time of the year was not in order?
The Deputy was informed why the question was not in order.
The question should be in order.
It cannot be debated here. The Deputy may not make any speech on this matter.
I do not seek to make a speech but I think that questions which were answered by the Minister for Local Government last year should be answered this year.
It is not a matter for the Minister and the Deputy was so informed. We cannot have any arguments. Will the Deputy please resume his seat? This is disorderly.
They built monstrosities and then abandoned them.
(Interruptions.)