Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004
179 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extra Garda resources that have been provided to deal with the significant increase in anti-social activity associated with the lead up to Halloween; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25910/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that a policing plan has been put in place for the month of October to combat anti-social activity in the lead up to and during Halloween.
The policing plan is designed to: combat the importation, sale and distribution of illegal fireworks, through intelligence led operations; liaise with local authorities regarding the provision of official, supervised bonfire sites, the policing of these and the identification and removal of stockpiles of bonfire materials and abandoned vehicles from other locations; promote awareness of the dangers associated with the improper use of fireworks and unsupervised bonfires through the use of media, school visits and so forth; and police the Halloween celebrations. I am assured by the Garda authorities that all necessary resources will be put in place to ensure that gardaí can respond to incidents occurring over the period.
