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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 15 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 2

Written Answers. - Crime Prevention.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

132 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there was a slippage in law enforcement in 2001 in the run-up to and during Hallowe'en; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that in some urban areas, residents suffered serious inconvenience, distress and even criminal damage; and his plans to avoid a repetition in 2002. [28399/01]

I am assured by the Garda authorities that the gardaí are fully aware of the concerns associated with Hallowe'en celebrations and that each division in the Dublin metropolitan region prepared a plan for the policing of Hallowe'en 2001 as part of Operation Tombola. The operation had four main objectives: to provide a Garda presence to all sections of the community in the lead up to and during Hallowe'en 2001; to pay particular attention to off-licence outlets and licensed premises to prevent and detect abuse of liquor licensing laws; to liaise with local authorities to ensure that stockpiles of bonfire material were removed by the local authorities as a matter of urgency – I am informed that this proved very successful; and to have gardaí visit both primary and secondary schools to present a Hallowe'en safety package to pupils, which contained a video presentation and information on the dangers of fireworks.

I am also informed that numerous searches of premises were carried out as part of Operation Tombola and that significant seizures were made. There were also significant ‘on street' detections. For example, on 19 October 2001, £50,000 worth of fireworks, contained in a transit van and intended for supply to street traders, was intercepted in the Kevin Street area.

I am further informed that five cases of criminal damage were reported to the Garda authorities in the DMR northern division and that these are currently under investigation. I understand that these were the only serious incidents of criminal damage or public disorder reported over the Halloween period and that no other reports were received expressing serious inconvenience or distress.
I am assured by the Garda authorities that there was no slippage in law enforcement in the Dublin metropolitan region in the run up to and during Halloween this year. Divisional plans under Operation Tombola were successfully implemented, with any incidents that arose dealt with effectively and in a professional manner.
I am informed that the Garda authorities will conduct a review of Operation Tombola and intend to implement a similar operation next year.
I also refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 447 of 13 November 2001 on this issue.
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