Crime Prevention

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2019

Tuesday, 8 October 2019

Ceisteanna (148)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

148. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána working group has published its national strategy to deal with assaults against the person; if not, when the strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40745/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, An Garda Síochána in 2018 established a Working Group to formulate a National Strategy to Deal with Assaults against the Person. The first phase of this strategy involved the ‘Use Your Brain Not Your Fist’ national awareness campaign in July 2018.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Assaults in Public Reduction Strategy 2019- 2021 has now been approved by the Garda Executive and that implementation commenced on a national basis on 2 September, 2019 under the operational name ‘Operation Soteria’.

I understand that the assault reduction strategy uses Garda Síochána Analysis Service data to identify and target the primary locations where assaults are occurring. I am further informed that the strategy has been communicated throughout An Garda Síochána for implementation and that it will be under constant progress review by local and national Garda management.