Vol. 533 No. 2
126 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in Garda attendance following an attack on a person (details supplied) in County Meath; if he will outline the instructions given to the Garda Síochána in rural areas to protect elderly citizens; his views on the accuracy of crime statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8454/01]
I am informed by Garda authorities that on 9 March 2001, at 3.20 p.m., a telephone call was received at Mullingar Garda station on the emergency telephone service from the person in question, reporting that he had been attacked and robbed in his home by two young men. The detective unit in Mullingar was immediately dispatched to the scene. The garda on duty in Kinnegad sub-district was unavailable, as he was engaged on other duties at the time. The garda on duty at Mullingar Station also contacted the ambulance control and requested that an ambulance be dispatched to the scene. He then telephoned the person in question and informed him that the gardaí and an ambulance were on the way. To reassure the victim, the garda continued to speak with him for up to ten minutes while awaiting the arrival of the gardaí and the ambulance. The person in question resides approximately 14 miles from Mullingar.
The gardaí arrived at approximately 3.50 p.m. and obtained details of the incident prior to the person being removed to hospital, from which he was released later on that day. I am assured by the Garda authorities that a full investigation into this matter is under way. I am further informed by Garda authorities that at no time was the victim advised that there were no gardaí available.
I would encourage all crime victims to report any crime to the Garda authorities. In order to reduce attacks on the elderly, gardaí are actively involved in giving advice on appropriate preventative measures, identifying and apprehending offenders, deterring would-be offenders, promoting co-operation and good relations between the elderly and the community, and also liaising with local groups such as Muintir na Tíre, the ICA etc. The gardaí also encourage the establishment of neighbourhood watch and community alert schemes. I have no reason to doubt the reliability of the crime figures published by the Garda Commissioner, which have shown an overall decrease in crime levels in recent years.
