Crime Prevention.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

Ceisteanna (466)

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

464 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda authorities will provide a report regarding a spate of car vandalism in recent weeks in the East Wall area of Dublin 3; the action the Garda has taken on this matter; if Garda patrols are adequate to deal with this problem; if they can be increased; if there is evidence that some of the attacks are racially motivated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8308/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that from 9 February to 11 March 2004 there were 11 reported incidents of car vandalism in the East Wall area. There is no evidence at this stage that these incidents are racially motivated.

I understand that local Garda management has responded to these incidents by deploying a mobile unit in the area consisting of three uniformed gardaí specifically tasked with addressing the problem of car vandalism. This unit is in addition to the normal foot and mobile patrols in the area from divisional crime task force, divisional traffic unit, detective patrols, community police units and regular uniform patrols.

I am assured that local Garda management are satisfied that there are adequate resources deployed to deal with the problems highlighted.