Vol. 481 No. 5
114 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the number of attacks on elderly people in the west of Ireland; the steps, if any, he is taking to protect such vulnerable persons; if he will consider the reintroduction of the successful Operation Shannon surveillance plan incorporating the use of a Garda helicopter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16612/97]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas, that Operation Méabh, which was introduced in the western region in April 1996, is ongoing. This operation involves all Garda districts in the region and is based on a series of scheduled checkpoints at strategic locations. I understand that over 50 checkpoints are carried out within the region in every 24 hour period.
The Garda authorities have further informed me that they are currently planning a crime prevention operation for the winter months which will concentrate on Garda districts in the Shannon basin. It is envisaged that this will entail a combination of rolling and static checkpoints on the approach roads and the actual Shannon crossings. It is also proposed to avail of the services of the Garda air support unit in relation to this operation.
I have also been informed that a special unit has been set up in the Roscommon-Galway east division to investigate break-ins and attacks on the elderly in the division. The Garda authorities have assured me that their current policy in relation to preventing such attacks is closely monitored and kept under constant review.
