asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the repeated acts of burglary and vandalism to which the Church of St. Matthias, Ballybrack, County Dublin, and the adjoining Rectory and Parochial Hall, have been subjected; and the steps it is proposed to take to increase protection and surveillance to prevent the continuance of these offences.
Written Answers. - County Dublin Vandalism.
91.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in September 1977 the Church of St. Matthias and the adjoining Rectory and Parochial Hall were entered, property was stolen and damage was caused to the premises. Two juveniles were charged with these crimes and subsequently dealt with under the juvenile liaison scheme. In April this year the church was again entered, property was stolen and damage was caused. Nobody has been made amenable for this crime. The Gardaí say that on six occasions during recent months windows have been broken in the church and in the parochial hall and boundary fences have been damaged.
Early in October the Garda Siochána introduced a new system of patrolling in the area and they say that this has brought about a noticeable improvement in the situation. I understand that no incidents of the kind mentioned in the question have occurred at the church or its adjoining premises since the introduction of the new system.