Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:235 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the continuance of the mountain bike unit at Tallaght Garda Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24370/03]
Written Answers. - Garda Operations.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda mountain bike unit was developed as a pilot project in Tallaght in 2001. Members of the community Garda attached to Tallaght now operate mountain bike patrols on a full-time basis. The mountain bike unit has been successful in tackling anti-social disorderly behaviour in Dublin parks and estates and works well in conjunction with other units. Overall, the unit has proven to be successful to date due to its commitment, ability to respond quickly and effectively and capacity to provide a high visibility presence. The unit has made a significant and positive contribution to a proactive approach in tackling crime. Local Garda management has received positive feedback from the community in relation to the work of the unit.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:236 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will seek a report from the Garda Commissioner in respect of the further development of community policing in areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24371/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that three community gardaí are allocated full time to the Greenhills area, 20 community gardaí are allocated to ten specific neighbourhoods in Tallaght, one community garda is allocated to the Firhouse area and one community garda is allocated to the Templeogue area. The community gardaí concerned are actively involved in schools programmes, neighbourhood watch schemes and community based projects. They are also involved with senior citizens and resident associations.
In the past 12 months, two additional gardaí were allocated to the Brookfield area of Tallaght in response to the Garda commitment to the RAPID programme. At present, community gardaí are engaged in the call-back system to victims of crime. They are also showing the community relations video in respect of safety issues for the Hallowe'en period to children in their respective areas and are involved in co-ordinating Christmas functions for the elderly. The strength of all community police units is reviewed periodically.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:237 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda horse unit will continue to visit Tallaght and Dublin south west on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24372/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the Garda mounted unit, through Operation Assist, support local policing initiatives, including Tallaght and Dublin south west in the Dublin metropolitan region. The policing of Tallaght has been a priority within the Operation Assist initiative. I have been further informed that the mounted unit is currently supporting a Dublin city centre policing initiative up to December 2003 and that Operation Assist will recommence thereafter.
Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:238 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will continue to encourage the Garda authorities to work through South Dublin County Council with the communities in Tallaght west, Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24373/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that gardaí liaise daily with South Dublin County Council staff in relation to issues concerning west Tallaght. Local gardaí work closely with estate management officers, the housing allocation unit and the public parks personnel. Gardaí also operate three clinics in west Tallaght. Information is supplied to the council on a statutory basis under the Housing Miscellaneous Provisions Act. Community gardaí are in close con tact with community leaders and move quickly to target areas of criminal and anti-social behaviour. Local officers sit on the county development board, the drugs task force and are also involved in the RAPID – revitalising areas by planning, investment and development – programme.
I regard these contacts as important in the context of delivery of a policing service to the community. In the proposed Garda Bill 2003, the draft scheme of which was approved by Government and published by me in July of this year, I intend to make provisions to give a statutory basis for formalised links between gardaí and local authorities and provide a framework for such community contact.