Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
505. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on Operation Thor; specifically its effect in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35699/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Operation Thor entails a broad range of activities to tackle organised crime gangs and other prolific offenders as well as working with communities to prevent crime. This comprehensive operation is supported by the enhanced Government investment in Garda resources, including an additional allocation of €88.5 million for overtime in 2017. We have also invested heavily in the Garda fleet, with over 720 new vehicles coming on stream since the start of 2015 and a provision of €46 million for new Garda vehicles under the Capital Plan 2016-2021.
The additional investments in policing make it possible to maintain and extend a range of intensive policing operations, including the continued targeting of burglaries and related crime via Operation Thor. Under Operation Thor we have seen over 74,000 targeted checkpoints and 52,400 crime prevention patrols nationwide. This concentrated policing activity has produced in the region of 4,400 arrests and 4,900 charges covering a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences.
It is also encouraging to note that since the launch of the operation, the burglary figures in particular have shown a significant downward trend. Indeed, the CSO official recorded crime statistics for Q4 of 2016 in respect of Co. Tipperary show decreases in a number of the main categories of crime for example: burglary (16%), robbery (10%), theft (5%) and public order offences (17%) for the twelve months of 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015, all of which parallels the implementation of Operation Thor.
An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme (2016-2021) places a strong emphasis on further developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. In this regard, community policing is a key aspect of the Garda approach to the prevention and detection of crime. All Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. Gardaí engage with a wide range of community based groups, as well in more formal settings such as Joint Policing Committees, to ensure that local issues can be aired and appropriate partnerships formed with communities to address matters of concern. Gardaí also support over 3,700 Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes nationwide, and these form an important partnership with An Garda Síochána to prevent crime and protect communities, especially the elderly and more vulnerable persons. In addition, the Garda Text Alert Scheme provides an effective means for Gardaí to communicate crime prevention information to local communities.
Underpinning all of these measures is the Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. The Government plans to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan which is in train within An Garda Síochána. Approximately 300 appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve.
