Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
587. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the increase of knife crime in the Dublin 17 area; the number of community gardaí deployed in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5672/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very conscious of the dangers presented by knife crime, and indeed all violent assaults. Clearly any stabbing has the potential to cause irreparable physical harm and tragic consequences and the Government is determined to ensure that similar problems to those which have developed in neighbouring jurisdictions do not develop here in Ireland.
My Department is keeping the law in relation to sentencing for knife crimes, as well as all other policies around knife crimes, such as targeted interventions, under review.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. The allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demand, including deployment of personnel among Divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review to ensure optimum use.
I am advised that there is a dedicated Community Policing unit within the Dublin 17 area which works closely with local agencies and stakeholders, including Dublin City Council and local youth services.
As of the 31st December 2020, the DMR North Region, which incorporates the area referred to by the Deputy, has a Community Policing strength of 26 members (4 Sergeants and 22 Gardaí), as well as 7 Juvenile Liaison Officers (1 Sergeant and 6 Gardaí).
To date, the official categorisation as a Community Garda has simply referred to those exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. However, it is important to consider that community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. Indeed, this is fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and currently being rolled out under 'A Policing Service for Our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations.
An Garda Síochána has an extended power of search without warrant for knives and offensive weapons and Gardaí have secured a substantial number of convictions in the Courts in recent years for possession of a knife or other weapon.
An Garda Síochána are continuing with their proactive measures to tackle this issue, including their assault reduction strategy, under Operation Soteria, which is targeted at tackling all types of assaults in public, including use of knives.
I am informed that there is an Inspector appointed in the Coolock District within the Dublin 17 area to oversee this operation, which involves the deployment of additional Garda patrols to areas affected by these incidents and monitoring the progress of live investigations with a view to ensuring offenders are brought to justice promptly.
An Garda Síochána also addresses knife crime through education and engagement with community initiatives.
It is a key priority of An Garda Síochána that victims of crimes where a knife/offensive weapon was used are offered the relevant victim services and support, whilst also being kept apprised on the status of an investigation. The proactive community policing implemented by local Garda management is essential in making communities more inclined to report such crimes to An Garda Síochána, especially when offenders are being prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that I will shortly be bringing to Government a new Youth Justice Strategy. The Strategy will strengthen and expand the role of the Garda Youth Diversion projects and other community-based initiatives, including those working with the Probation Service. Bringing the full range of relevant interventions together in a coherent and holistic response to youth crime will support the objective of diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour, including knife crime.
