Seán Haughey
Ceist:938 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he is taking to deal with the problem of joyriding in the Coolock district, Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1490/02]
Written Answers. - Joyriding Offences.
Seán Haughey
Ceist:1015 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he is taking to tackle the problem of joyriding in Dublin suburbs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2493/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 938 and 1015 together.
I am very conscious of the damage and destruction caused by so-called joyriding in local communities, but, equally, I recognise that meaningful and long-lasting responses are only possible through a multi-faceted, multi-agency approach to the problem. In this context and from the perspective of the criminal justice system, I have made 126,974 available to the Priorswood task force on joyriding over a two year period to develop and progress a range of projects aimed at diverting young persons from joyriding. The funding was approved following the preparation of a comprehensive research report on the problem in the area, entitled "Joyriding: A Local Response", which I had the pleasure to formally launch in February 2001.
My Department also funds the WOODALE project, which is a Garda youth diversion project operating in the Priorswood and Darndale areas. The project provides intervention programmes aimed at young persons, aged 10 to 18 years, who have become involved in criminal and/or anti-social behaviour, including joyriding, and who have been referred by the juvenile liaison scheme and the Probation and Welfare Service. I am advised that the project receives the active support of the participants' parents and has been the subject of favourable comment in both the local and national media.
In addition to participation in the aforementioned initiatives, local members of the Garda Síochána in Coolock have adopted an extremely proactive approach to the problem. For example, a specific Garda resource unit to target joyriders has been established, comprising one sergeant and four gardaí, who patrol the area on a continual basis. The unit targets known joyriders and makes a concerted effort to execute warrants in respect of those unlawfully at large. I understand that its efforts have resulted in some of the most prominent joyriders being imprisoned.
Moreover, Operation Oíche has been implemented in the Darndale-Belcamp-Moatview areas through targeted foot and mobile patrols by members of the Garda Síochána. Two gardaí patrol the area on foot between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily, while one sergeant and three gardaí are deployed on mobile van patrol between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. The operation has resulted in an increased uniformed Garda presence, which, I understand, has led to a decrease in the number of incidents of joyriding and antisocial behaviour.
In terms of the city in general, my Department funds 21 other Garda youth diversion projects across Dublin, all of which aim to divert young people from involvement in criminal activity. Operation Oíche also operates across the city, as do related activities, such as Operation Bud, which seeks to identify and deter those who would facilitate the purchase of alcohol to under-age persons. I am satisfied that these and other, more broadly focused crime prevention strategies currently in place will continue to have a positive effect on the incidence of joyriding.
Question No. 939 answered with Question No. 922.