Vol. 467 No. 4
18 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the impact, if any, the serious crime levels in Ireland will have on Ireland's tourism industry; the additional measures, if any, that he has considered to ensure Ireland is a safe tourist destination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13378/96]
As I have indicated in response to previous similar questions, the Minister for Justice has primary responsibility for tackling the problem of crime, including crime against tourists. My colleague has, in the past, outlined measures to address the problem of crime generally. In response to a Dáil question on 15 May last she indicated that the issue of crime against tourists received the highest priority from her Department and the Garda authorities and outlined measures taken in co-operation with Bord Fáilte and tourism interests to ensure that crimes of this nature are minimised to the greatest possible extent.
The level of crime against tourists is extremely low by international standards. For example, Department of Justice figures for 1994 show a total of 3,120 crimes against tourists or 0.80 per cent of the total tourism numbers of 3.63 million, predominantly petty crimes e.g. theft from parked cars, etc. Last year a survey carried out by "WHICH" magazine showed that Ireland had the fourth lowest theft rate of 44 countries surveyed.
There is no acceptable level of crime and it is essential that tourists who fall victim receive as much support as possible. This is provided primarily through the Tourist Victim Support Service, which was set up in 1994 and operates from premises provided by the Department of Justice in Harcourt Square, Dublin. Bord Fáilte provided £10,000 this year towards the service which provides emotional and practical support, such as assistance in replacing passports, travel documents, travellers cheques, etc. to tourist victims, who must be referred to it by the Garda. Benefit-in-kind rather than direct financial aid is provided by the tourism industry. This includes emergency accommodation, travel tickets, clothing and toiletries, meal vouchers etc. The service has a full-time co-ordinator and some 30 volunteer staff with a range of foreign languages and specialist training in tourist victim support. The success of the service to date is reflected in the rising level of support it receives from the business community and the positive feedback from tourists that it has assisted.
Finally, it must be remembered that crime is a worldwide phenomenon and while Ireland is a safe and friendly destination people should take reasonable precautions as they would in any other country.
Has there been an appreciable increase in the number of people seeking help from the Tourist Victim Support Service in Dublin? Is the sum of £10,000 which the Minister mentioned and which is provided by Bord Fáilte sufficient or will it be necessary to increase that funding? What level of service is available to people who are attacked in cities outside of Dublin or in rural areas as happened in my area recently? Can those people avail of the service?
They can avail of the service but, obviously, there is a time factor involved in dealing with these requests. I wish to outline a number of initiatives being taken. Regular liaison is taking place between the Garda authorities. Bord Fáilte and tourism interests. There is deployment of additional Garda patrols in areas of high tourism interest. A Garda office established in O'Connell Street acts as a centre for advising tourists on safety measures. Safety leaflets in three languages and city maps are produced and distributed by the Garda. Ten thousand pounds is a reasonable sum to be provided. The service has received good support from the business community and the feedback, particularly from those unfortunate enough to have been the victim of some crime, petty or otherwise, has been heartening. I will give the Deputy some figures that may be of interest to him. In 1988 the total number of crimes against tourists was 2,391, of which 2,121 occurred in Dublin. In 1989 the figure decreased by 10 per cent to 2,365, of which 1,992, or 6 per cent, occurred in the Dublin area. I have given the Deputy the figure for 1994. The total number of victims represents 0.005 per cent of total visitor numbers. In other words, 99,995 per cent of visitors who come to Ireland do so in safety. As I said in my reply, visitors should take the same level of caution here as they would in any other country.
