Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Investigations.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

140 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an assault on the car of an elected representative in the Kiltalawn area in Tallaght on 10 November 2003 following a meeting called by the Kiltalawn estate management committee to discuss anti-social behaviour in the area; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that at a similar meeting called to discuss the same issue in 2002 at the same venue a car was deliberately set alight; the additional resources he will be recommending for this particular area to address this and other crime related issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28522/03]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that items of property were stolen from a parked car belonging to an elected councillor while the person was attending the meeting referred to by the Deputy. I understand that some of the property was subsequently recovered by the gardaí and the crime is under investigation.

I am also informed that approximately 18 months ago, during a similar meeting in the estate management office in Kiltalawn, an old car was set on fire near where the meeting was taking place. The gardaí have informed me that, on investigation, it would appear that neither incident was in any way connected with the meetings. The Garda authorities consider that these were two isolated incidents which do not reflect on the general situation in Jobstown. I understand that the most recent meeting expressed clear satisfaction with patrolling in the area by gardaí and their efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

As the Deputy will be aware, the detailed allocation of Garda resources is an operational matter for the Garda authorities, who have informed me that two full-time community gardaí are assigned to the Jobstown/Kiltalawn area. These gardaí carry out daily patrols assisted by other uniform and plain clothes patrols. The personnel strength – all ranks – of Tallaght Garda station as at 31 December each year and at the current date is set out hereunder.

Year	Strength
1997	133
1998	139
1999	142
2000	159
2001	159
2002	159
24/11/2003	161

This represents an increase of 28, or 21%, in the personnel allocated to Tallaght Garda station since 31 December 1997. An additional five probationer gardaí are due to be allocated to Tallaght Garda station this week.

The situation will continue to be kept under review by the Garda authorities and the needs of Tallaght Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.