asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the concern of the parents in the Walkinstown/Crumlin area of Dublin in view of the increasing vandalism and attacks on young children; and the steps that are being taken to curb such violence.
29.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Vandalism and Violence.
28.
asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda force is at sufficient strength in the Crumlin area, Dublin, to cater for the district.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos, 28 and 29 together.
I am aware that in the Walkinstown/ Crumlin area, as in other areas of Dublin, there is a certain amount of vandalism caused mainly by youngsters between 12 and 15 years of age. I believe this is best dealt with by action on the part of parents, teachers and local community leaders, which can be much more effective in instilling a sense of civic responsibility in these young people than any Garda activity though of course the Garda have an important role to play. That they are active in this field may be deduced from the fact that in the last 12 months over 400 summonses were brought in respect of offences of malicious damage, breaches of the peace, etc., in the area in question. With regard to attacks on young children, I am informed that there were two offences involving robbery with violence in September last and in both cases persons were charged and convicted.
The police strength of Crumlin Garda District has recently been under special review, and it may be that the strength will be increased, perhaps within the next 12 months.
Can the Minister tell us what is the present position regarding the juvenile liaison officer and the members of the Garda Síochána, and are there any plans to increase the strength?
I do not think that arises on this question. If the Deputy wants that information perhaps he will put down a further question. This relates only to the strength of the Garda in a particular area.
Juvenile liaison officers were created specifically to cope with the problems of young people in these areas.
It does not arise on this question. If the Deputy puts down another question he will get that information. If the Deputy wants more information on the Garda strength, I have that available.
Is the Minister aware that within the last month two youths were seriously injured in the GreenhillsWalkinstown area one night? A report appeared in some of the papers on the following day that one of these youths had died, and I heard no reference to that in the Minister's reply. I would like to know what action was taken in relation to this. Furthermore, I have been a member of a number of deputations which visited Garda stations there. The reply referred to vandalism by youths of 12 to 15 years. It is a well-known fact that front walls of houses in this area have disappeared during the night and I am sure the Minister will agree that youths of this age would not be in a position to engage in this type of vandalism. I believe that the area calls for greater police security and I would urge the Minister to take the necessary steps.
I shall pass on the Deputy's views to the Minister. As I have already mentioned, the police strength is under special review and it may well be that the strength will be increased within the next 12 months.