Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:20 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the evidence of an increase in rural crime; and if he will outline his proposals in this regard.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Crime.
John Connor
Ceist:72 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Justice his views on whether there is a direct relationship between the increase in crime in rural areas and the reduction in gardaí.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 72 together.
I am aware, from reports which I have received from the Garda authorities, that there was an increase in the level of recorded crime in certain rural areas in 1989 and that there are indications that 1990 figures may also show an increase. I understand from the Garda that the upward trend is mainly attributable to a rise in the number of minor larcenies committed. The Garda authorities have assured me that the situation is being monitored by them and that divisional officers have recently prepared a programme of measures designed to address the problem. While it might be counterproductive for me to disclose the details of these measures, I can say that, in rural areas, they include the use of additional patrols and checkpoints.
I am also assured that Garda resources will continue to be deployed to best advantage and that the assignment of additional gardaí to meet the special requirements of any particular area will be arranged as needs dictate. In this connection, 47 of the new gardaí attested to the force within the past week have been assigned to areas outside of the Dublin Metropolitan area.
Will the Minister give the House his view on the proposals — as reported in the press — on changes in rural policing which seem to me to be rather odd in the context of the now admitted increase in rural crime? Will the Minister accept that the scheme — which I understand is to come into operation in January next — will result in the partial closure of smaller police stations, the downgrading of others, with sergeants being transferred to more central headquarters? Is it also correct that, under the Minister's proposals, small stations will be opened for a few hours only each day and that there is expected to be much greater use by the public of the little green man telephone system rather than resorting to the present Garda cover?
This is a very long question, Deputy.
Essentially I am asking whether the Minister will let me know what he has in mind from the point of view of rural policing, which is rendered all the more important in the context of the admitted 7 per cent increase in rural crime?
Like so many other pieces of information that come the Deputy's way, this is incorrect. There is no suggestion of any proposals being brought into force on 1 January next. I might add there are no plans to close, downgrade or reduce the services provided by any rural Garda station. As I have already stated publicly, Garda management, in consultation with officials of my Department and the Garda representative associations, are engaged on a review of current policing systems to ascertain whether they meet fully public needs or whether, by reorganisation or other means, they can be rendered more efficient, modern and responsive to community needs. No decisions have been taken as yet on foot of that review. I am acutely conscious of the advantages accruing to the public and the Garda Síochána from the traditionally close relationship which has existed between them. I am determined that any changes introduced will in no way interfere with that relationship.
Bearing in mind the Minister's proposals with regard to Garda stations, coupled with those in regard to sub-post offices, there will be nothing left in rural areas.
But the Deputy will be there.