Gerard Murphy
Ceist:310 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider a proposal to reduce the time in which a person can make an insurance claim from three years to three months. [18574/03]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
I propose to include a provision in draft legislation I am preparing to reduce the limitation period for personal injuries actions from three years to one year.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:311 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of crimes reported in the district of Dublin 7 bounded by Western Way, Phibsboro Rd., Mountjoy Street and Blessington Street to date in 2003; if there has been an increase in reported crimes in this area in recent months; the steps the Gardai are taking to deal with the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19198/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a total of 54 crimes have been reported within the area over the period in question. While crime figures for the period in question have not yet been validated, the Gardaí are aware that there has been a small increase in criminal damage, relating mainly to vandalism of parked cars at night.
I am assured that gardaí at Mountjoy are aware of the concerns of the residents in this area and particular attention is being afforded by way of regular foot and mobile patrols which are also being augmented by daily foot patrols by community gardaí.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:312 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of reports made to the Gardai of public drinking, drug taking and anti-social activity in the Blessington Basin, Dublin 7 area to date in 2003; if there has been an increase in reported crime there in recent months; the steps the Gardai are taking to deal with the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19199/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a total of 14 incidents of drug taking and anti-social activity have been reported in the immediate area of Blessington basin since January 2003 and that in all these cases arrests were made and the culprits were apprehended.
While the crime figures for the period on question have not yet been validated, the gardaí are aware that there is a small increase over the same period last year.
The community policing unit at Mountjoy have regular meetings with Dublin City Council Staff working in the Blessington basin. Daily uniform and plainclothes gardaí have been allocated to the area, including Blessington basin and the adjoining streets, and these patrols have resulted in a number of prosecutions under the Dublin city bye laws for drink related offences. I am informed that this initiative will continue.