Vol. 556 No. 2
138 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the greater number of public order offences tend to occur in the Monday to Thursday or Thursday to Monday periods in Garda districts such as Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19629/02]
139 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the greater number of offences tend to occur in the Monday to Thursday or Thursday to Monday periods in Garda districts such as Donegal. [19630/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources.
As the Deputy will be aware, Operation Encounter came into force on 23 February 2002. This Garda operation is focused on all issues of public order occurring in the community. Particular attention is paid to night-clubs, fast food outlets and other venues at which large numbers of people congregate and where there is the potential for disorder.
I am further informed that Garda resources are deployed at periods and times best suited to provide an effective policing service in a particular locale, be it mid-week or at weekends.
