Vol. 481 No. 4
227 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied) from the Lakeglen Environmental Group regarding serious crime problems in its area; if he will draw up immediate proposals for tackling this intolerable situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16261/97]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that considerable Garda resources and attention are being directed at the problems which exist in this area. Measures taken include the utilisation of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, anti-drug dealing operations and the arrests and subsequent convictions of persons involved in the unauthorised taking of motor vehicles. All these efforts will be assisted with the introduction of a closed circuit TV system in the area next year.
I am fully aware that the problems of this area are deep-rooted and, in this regard, my Department is currently assessing proposals for a community-based crime prevention programme aimed at young people at risk. The Deputy may also be interested to learn that the recent application for funding from the Finglas-Cabra Local Drugs Task Force is currently before Government where I believe it will receive favourable consideration.
