Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
541. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional measures An Garda Síochána is taking to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, joyriding and other crimes which are reported in recent months in several districts of Dublin Bay North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35975/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and Districts and, as Minister, I have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of resources is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
I am informed that local Garda Management in the DMR are aware of issues relating to an increase of anti-social behaviour in the locality and, in addition to routine patrols by mobile, beat and Community Policing units, have deployed additional personnel to specific areas identified as public disorder/anti-social behaviour hot-spots to alleviate this type of criminality.
There are a number of specific initiatives also in place within the Region targeting public disorder and other anti-social type behaviour including: high-visibility patrols in identified crime, public disorder and anti-social behaviour hotspots; targeting underage drinking, the consumption of alcohol in public places and anti-social behaviour under Operation Irene; and the distribution of crime prevention leaflets, thereby reassuring communities and enhancing community safety.
Under Operation ‘Hybrid’ a schedule of rolling high-visibility armed, and unarmed, checkpoints take place in strategic locations, including within the DMR North Garda Division, the purpose of which is, through pro-active policing, to disrupt Organised Crime Gangs. Since this operation commenced, in February, 2016, almost 36,000 checkpoints have been conducted during which road traffic offences have been detected, firearms have been recovered, warrants executed and the sale and supply of drugs interrupted.
I am, of course, conscious of the impact which anti-social behaviour and the types of crime referred to have on the quality of life for residents in local communities. An Garda Síochána continues to tackle public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities to reduce this type of behaviour and enhance community safety. The Garda approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour. The Deputy will appreciate that I do not have a role in relation to Garda policing strategies in any particular local area but have brought the Deputy's specific concerns to the attention of the Garda Authorities.
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.
