asked the Minister for Justice if he will arrange to increase the number of gardaí on beat duty in Ballyfermot, Inchicore, Crumlin and Walkinstown, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Beat Duty.
1.
The assignment of members of the force either to beat duty or to any other duties is a matter for decision by the Garda authorities.
I am informed by the Commissioner that the Garda authorities are satisfied that present patrolling in the areas mentioned is reasonable having regard to the demands on available resources.
I postponed this question from last week because I was anxious to ask the Minister some questions. Is the Minister aware that the areas mentioned in the question have got their individual identities and that since there has been an apparent reduction in foot patrols occasional upsets and skirmishes occur which would be most unlikely to occur in the presence of the foot patrol men?
I can assure the Deputy that there has been no reduction in the incidence of foot patrolling. The Deputy might be interested to hear that in the areas in question the crime rate is down and the detection rate is up so that the position is quite satisfactory from a policing point of view.
I accept this from the Minister but would he agree that if there was slightly more policing of these areas in the near future perhaps all incidents of crime could be removed entirely?
That would apply to every part of the country but the amount of policing available in that area is the amount decided on by the professional authorities, the gardaí, as being adequate to meet the needs of the area. The proof that their judgment has been correct is to be seen in the improving crime statistics. The question of increasing the level of Garda presence in this and any other area is something that is kept under constant review and must necessarily depend on the manpower available from time to time.
Is the Minister aware that the local community associations have done tremendous work in helping to bring about this situation? Is he further aware that they feel that a little extra co-operation from the police authorities might succeed in bringing about as good a community in these areas as can be found anywhere?
I am well aware of the good work done by the local community organisations. The gardaí are both aware and appreciative of this work also. They are in regular communication with me about the problems of the areas and I can assure the Deputy that any help we can give to them or that they can give to us will be gratefully given and thankfully received.
If I bring some instances of where extra police cars are required will the Minister look into it?
Yes.