Vol. 564 No. 5
368 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an increase in physical assaults in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin in the last year; if he has had any indication from the Garda Commissioner as to how he intends to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9513/03]
369 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an increase in physical assaults in the Crumlin area of Dublin in the last year; if he has had any indication from the Garda Commissioner as to how he intends to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9514/03]
370 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an increase in physical assaults in the Drimnagh area of Dublin in the last year; if he has had any indication from the Garda Commissioner as to how he intends to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9515/03]
371 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an increase in physical assaults in the south west inner city area of Dublin in the last year; if he has had any indication from the Garda Commissioner as to how he intends to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9516/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 368 to 371, inclusive, together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of physical assaults recorded in the Ballyfermot and Drimnagh areas during the first three months of this year are in fact lower than in the corresponding period in 2002. The figures for the south-west inner city area of Dublin do not indicate any significant increase, while in Crumlin a slight increase was recorded.
I am also informed that in all four areas, the local gardaí are targeting areas where there is a potential for anti-social behaviour or assault such as late night venues, fast food outlets and areas subject to complaints as a result of groups of teenagers gathering.
Such areas are constantly monitored by the Garda in the community policing unit who also take action, where necessary, under the Public Order Act 1994, by moving troublemakers on. Where offences occur, arrests are made subject to sufficient evidence for a court prosecution. The Garda at Ballyfermot has recently set up a public order unit to patrol the sub-district. A community garda assigned to the Drimnagh area is constantly monitoring the activities of young people in the area, in close association with local residents.
I am also informed that there is a high detection rate for reported assaults and that each case is investigated and criminal proceedings instituted where there is sufficient evidence available.
372 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an increase in car-jacking in the Ballyfermot area in recent months; if he has any indication from the Garda Commissioner as to how he intends to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9517/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are not aware of any recent increase in the unauthorised taking of mechanically propelled vehicles in the Ballyfermot area. I understand that the Garda at Ballyfermot have recently established a public order unit which will patrol the Ballyfermot sub-district in order to tackle this and associated problems. Local Garda management will continually monitor the unit's performance to ensure the highest possible quality of service.
Question No. 373 answered with Question No. 322.
