Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

282 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent Dublin city centre initiative by the Garda that has resulted in the arrest of more than 70 people for begging as part of a zero tolerance approach; his views on whether a criminalisation approach amounts to appropriate treatment of homeless people in 2003; his further views on public comments by a person (details supplied) to the effect that this initiative is part of an exercise to sanitise the city centre for the benefit of tourists; and if the Government plans to launch further street sweeps of the homeless in the capital in preparation for the Irish EU Presidency in 2004. [25889/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Garda city centre initiative commenced on 9 June last. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that it provides for high visibility patrols on the main thoroughfares in Dublin city centre and focuses on public order and anti-social behaviour offences such as assaults, street thefts/snatches, drug abuse and shoplifting as well as drunkenness, vagrancy and public nuisance generally. I am further informed that a recent evaluation has shown that the initiative is proving quite successful and has been well received by city centre traders and the public alike.

There is no question of homeless people being targeted or victimised by the Garda. The gardaí are actively and positively engaged with the city council, health boards, homeless agencies and non-governmental organisations in providing assistance and support for the homeless in the city centre and throughout the city. I have no official responsibility for comments made by the person in question or the interpretation placed on them by the Deputy.