Seán Fleming
Ceist:67. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Operation Fiacla; his future plans for tackling rural crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46543/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 November 2013
Ceisteanna (67)
Freagraí scríofa
I am, of course, aware of concerns in rural communities about the incidence of crime, and of burglary in particular. These crimes cause deep distress to householders and have a broader impact in terms of fear of crime in the community.
It was in the light of these concerns that the Garda Commissioner established Operation Fiacla last year to coordinate a sustained national drive against those involved in this type of criminality. Operation Fiacla is an intelligence driven national operation and specific burglary initiatives have been implemented in each Garda Region to target suspected offenders. As of 30 September, 6,678 persons have been arrested and 3,770 persons have been charged with burglary offences under Operation Fiacla.
I am glad to say that Operation Fiacla has proved to be a robust and effective response to those who seek to prey on law abiding householders and this is borne out by the latest Crime Statistics published by the Central Statistics Office covering the 12 month period up to the second quarter of 2013. These show a welcome reduction of 8.9% in burglary and related offences over the previous 12 months, and continue a trend which has been evident since the introduction of Operation Fiacla.
More generally, in relation to policing in rural areas and tackling rural crime, the Garda National Policing Plan for 2013, which I laid before the House last December, sets out the policing priorities and objectives for the current year. The Plan is designed to meet the policing needs of all communities and includes objectives of particular relevance for rural areas, including active community engagement in the development of policing strategies and concerted efforts to support and protect vulnerable sections of the community.
This is illustrated in a range of community based initiatives which are supported by Gardaí throughout the country. For example, the ongoing work of more than 1300 Community Alert groups which are active in rural communities was underlined by the publication earlier this year of new Garda Community Crime Prevention Guidelines. More recently the Commissioner has published guidelines for the operation of text alert systems which can provide a further mechanism by which An Garda Síochána can distribute crime prevention information to local communities.
I am currently in discussions with the Garda Commissioner concerning the Garda National Policing Plan for 2014, which will be presented to the House in due course, and I can assure the Deputy that it will be focused on the policing needs of all of our communities. It is the Government's intention to ensure that frontline services are maintained at the highest level possible through the most efficient use of resources. The Commissioner continues to enjoy my full support and that of the Government in confronting crime in all its forms. I have every confidence that he and everyone in An Garda Síochána will continue to deliver an effective police service in rural as in all other areas.