asked the Minister for Justice if he will, following the recent spate of wanton vandalism in Terenure, Dublin 6, outline the action he proposes to take to ensure that such vandalism does not recur; the number of Gardaí on the beat in the area; and if he will take immediate steps to increase the number.
Written Answers . - Terenure (Dublin) Vandalism .
713.
, Limerick East): I assume the Deputy is referring to the incidents of vandalism in the Terenure area on the night of 5 March 1983. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, while incidents of vandalism had previously occurred from time to time in the Terenure area, the scale of the vandalism and damage caused on the night in question was unprecedented and that special measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence. In addition to the service provided from the local station and from the district headquarters at Rathmines, additional assistance is now being provided by mobile patrols by specialised units based elsewhere.
The question of increasing the strength at Terenure station will be considered according as the recruits now in training become available for assignment to the various centres.
As regards the number of gardaí on the beat in the Terenure area, the position is that it would be contrary to established practice to give details of the patrols operating in a particular area at any particular time.