Vol. 430 No. 7
13 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Justice the amount of money spent advertising the free phone number 1800 589 589 which is designed to allow citizens to give information about subversive crime to the Garda Síochána on a confidential basis; and if she has satisfied herself that this number is sufficiently well known to be used in all relevant circumstances.
14 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Justice the amount of money spent advertising the free phone number 1800 589 589 which is designed to allow citizens to give information about subversive crime to the Garda Síochána on a confidential basis; and if she has satisfied herself that this number is sufficiently well known to be used in all relevant circumstances.
29 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice the amount of money spent advertising the free phone number 1800 589 589 which is designed to allow citizens to give information about subversive crime to the Garda Síochána on a confidential basis; and if she has satisfied herself that this number is sufficiently well known to be used in all relevant circumstances.
35 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Justice the amount of money spent advertising the free phone number 1800 589 589 which is designed to allow citizens to give information about subversive crime to the Garda Síochána on a confidential basis; and if she has satisfied herself that this number is sufficiently well known to be used in all relevant circumstances.
54 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice the amount of money spent advertising the free phone number 1800 589 589 which is designed to allow citizens to give information about subversive crime to the Garda Síochána on a confidential basis; and if she has satisfied herself that this number is sufficiently well known to be used in all relevant circumstances.
77 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice the amount of money spent advertising the free telephone number 1800 589 589 which is designed to allow citizens to give information about subversive crime to the Garda Síochána on a confidential basis; and if she has satisfied herself that this number is sufficiently well known to be used in all relevant circumstances.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 14, 29, 35, 54 and 77 together.
The Garda Síochána confidential telephone line number (1 800 589 589) is publicised in a number of ways. These comprise the following measures: the number appears in the alphabetical list, under Garda, in the new telephone directory which is now being delivered to customers in the 01 telephone area. Arrangements have been made for it to appear in the "personal emergency numbers" section of the next 01 directory. I understand that Telecom has arranged for the number to appear in the "personal emergency numbers" section and the Government pages section, Dublin section, of the new provincial telephone directories which will be delivered over the next few months. The security correspondents of the national newspapers feature the number regularly, particularly when there are appeals for help. The number has been brought to the notice of all neighbourhood watch district representatives. It was included in Watch Post which has a circulation of 200,000 copies. It has been mentioned by various Garda spokespersons on radio and television during the course of appeals. It appears on Aertel, page 435. It will feature from time to time on the “Crime Line” television programme. No cost was incurred in respect of any of these publicity initiatives.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that the number is receiving adequate publicity. They will, of course, keep the matter under review.
Can the Minister say if any money was spent on this service, if people know about it, if it is used and if it helps in the fight against crime?
No money was spent, it is helpful and it is used.
How many people have used the service to date?
The Garda authorities have said that use is being made of the service and that it generates a low volume of traffic.
No one is using it.
In view of the fact that no money has been spent advertising this service, would the Minister agree that very few people, including most Members of this House, know about the service? Will the Minister consider advertising the service to see whether it can be used more fruitfully as a tool in the fight against crime? It is obvious that this service is being used very little, if at all, at present.
One must remember that "Crime Line", which is watched extensively by members of the public and which has achieved considerable success in the fight against crime and increased the co-operation with the Garda, has its own telephone line. By reason of this, it was decided that the number of the Garda confidential line should not be given out on a regular basis on the "Crime Line" programme for fear of confusing the members of the public who watch it. The Garda authorities believe that the present level of publicity which this number is given is sufficient. Unless the Deputy has very compelling reasons as to why the public finances should be spent on advertising the service, I would prefer to accept what the Garda authorities have said.
Is the service provided to enable members of the public to supply information on subversive crime only or is it meant to relate to all crime?
All crime.
I have heard of confidential telephone lines, but when one keeps the number confidential it is little wonder that we have results like this. Can the Minister tell us what the term "low volume" actually means? How many people have used the line since it was set up?
The calls will probably cost a lot more under the new charges.
Excluding nuisance calls, 344 calls were received in 1992 and 76 calls were received this year up to 6 May.
Less than one a day.
