Vol. 549 No. 3
353 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he had consultations with the Garda regarding the law and order situation in Cork city centre; and if he has been asked to provide extra resources by the Garda. [6335/02]
As the Deputy will appreciate, the allocation of Garda resources to any particular area is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am informed by the Garda authorities that no recent requests have been made for an increase in Garda manpower in Cork city. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the level of public disorder and assaults in cork city is on par with other sizeable cities and towns.
I am assured that An Garda Síochána has a very positive relationship with the city centre traders and the licensed trade in Cork city. The Garda maintains regular contact with the pub and night club owners in the city centre in an attempt to curb the level of public disorder and any abuse of alcohol.
A pilot pub watch initiative has been launched in a number of areas in the city centre and progress to date has been positive. Special exemptions have been generally opposed by the Garda as part of its enforcement strategy with exemptions not generally granted after 2 a.m.
In addition, a CCTV system is now being completed in Cork city division which has been part funded by the Cork City Council in conjunction with my Department. This system, consisting of 29 cameras, most of which are now fully operational, will be a particularly valuable resource to the Garda both in terms of crime prevention and enforcement.
The Deputy may be aware that in view of level of concern about public order problems in general, and following consultation between the Minister and the Garda Commissioner, a new public order initiative entitled Operation Encounter was recently announced and came into effect on 23 February 2002. This operation will concentrate on targeted areas and will also involve closer liaison with the owners of nightclubs, pubs and fast food outlets.
354 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí operating in the Cork city centre area at 1 p.m. on 15, 16, 17 and 18 February 2002. [6336/02]
355 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí operating in the Cork city centre area at 1 a.m. on 15, 16, 17 and 18 February 2002. [6337/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that the current personnel strength of Cork city division, as at 21 February 2002, is 606, all ranks. This compares to a figure of 571 on 1 December 1999 and represents an increase of 35 in the personnel allocated to Cork city division since that date.
The Garda authorities state that, for operational reasons, it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of gardaí on duty at a particular location at a given time.
