Vol. 530 No. 1
37 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that adequate preventive measures have been taken to combat street violence; if adequate data are available to address this in a strategic way with a view to allaying public concerns and fear arising from increased incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3206/01]
60 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he proposes taking to make the streets of Limerick city safer. [3247/01]
167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of incidents of street violence reported in the past 12 months; if this represents an increase on previous years; if he anticipates any preventative measures; and if he will make a statement of the matter. [3378/01]
168 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes any legislative changes to combat street violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3379/01]
169 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of incidents of street violence reported in County Kildare in the past 12 months; if this represents an increase on previous years; if prosecutions have been taken or are pending in all cases; if he has any plans to combat the issue; and if he will make a statement of the matter. [3380/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 60, 167, 168 and 169 together.
As I have previously informed the House, Operation Oíche has been in operation in cities and large towns since October 2000. I understand from the Garda authorities that, as part of this operation, each divisional officer compiled an operational plan which incorporated all initiatives and operations to combat public order problems and illicit drug use. I am informed that additional plans to focus on public intoxication and underage drinking were also developed.
The Garda authorities consider the operation to have been highly successful to date. Since its introduction, there has been a more visible Garda presence on the streets, particularly at the closing times of licensed premises and night-clubs, and the gardaí continue to visit licensed premises to impress an even greater awareness on the licensees of their responsibilities. I am further informed that in Dublin, the new corporation bye-laws prohibiting the consumption of intoxicating liquor on public streets have proven very effective. I also understand that Operation Oíche has received favourable comments from both the general public and the business community.
In relation to Limerick, other initiatives have also been taken by local Garda management. For example, one of these has concentrated on known criminals in Limerick city, has been in operation since February 2000 and numerous arrests have been made. Another was put into operation at the commencement of January 2001 as a result of a number of shootings and other incidents that had occurred in the Southill area. Again, I am informed that this operation has been successful with a number of unlawfully held firearms discovered and persons arrested for various offences.
