Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 1

Written Answers. - Alarm Activations.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

74 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the number of false alarm call outs the Garda received in each month to date in 1995; the action, if any, she is taking to reduce such call outs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16460/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The number of false or accidental alarm activations in the Dublin metropolitan area in each month of 1995 to date has been:

Month	Number
January	7,642
February	6,860
March	8,587
April	7,940
May	7,905
June	8,501
July	9,535
August	9,418
September	7,733
October	8,708

Figures for the remainder of the country are not readily available. I will arrange for these figures to be collated and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they become available.

While the number of false or accidental alarm calls and the consequent waste of Garda time is a matter of concern, a special approach has been in operation now for some years to contain the problem. I understand that it is the view of the Garda that this approach strikes an acceptable balance between the interests of property owners and the best management of Garda resources.