Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
22. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on efforts to tackle rural crime, and to particularly protect those who are vulnerable, either living alone or in rural, isolated areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe safety and welfare of every person, especially the most vulnerable in our communities, is of utmost importance.
The Government is committed to ensuring that people across both rural and urban Ireland are safe and feel safe, and to ensuring that there is strong, visible and effective policing, including community policing.
A key pillar of the Programme for Government is building stronger and safer communities. The ongoing work of my Department in this area is highlighted in Justice Plan 2022. I was delighted, as one of the actions of this year's Justice Plan, to publish the Rural Safety Plan 2022-2024 at the Ploughing Championships in September.
I recognise that rural safety is not just about the number of Gardaí. Community Safety is a whole of Government responsibility and it requires a multi-agency approach. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department funds a number of initiatives around the country to help build rural safety.Of course the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and detecting crime. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.This year's winter phase of Operation Thor was launched by Gardaí on 01 October. Operation Thor is designed to tackle burglaries and associated criminal activities, which often increase in the darker winter months, through targeted enforcement and crime prevention activity and information.Since its inception in 2015, Operation Thor has proved highly successful in tackling property related crime and figures show that there has been a 36% reduction in the rate of such offences when compared to the pre COVID-19 levels in 2019. The Operation's winter phase places particular emphasis on preventing any predicted surge in burglaries of residential properties during this period. The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs, with an unprecedented allocation provided in Budget 2023 of over €2.14 billion. I am advised that so far, the Public Appointment Service have provided to An Garda Síochána the first two batches of candidates from this year's recruitment campaign following the interview process, totalling approximately 270 candidates.
Coupled with the Commissioner's intention to launch another recruitment campaign in mid-2023 and the level of funding provided by Government, this will provide An Garda Síochána with a pipeline of recruits.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.As the Deputy will be aware, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill will also provide for the establishment of innovative Local Community Safety Partnerships to develop local safety plans, tailored to the priorities and needs identified by communities themselves. The Local Community Safety Partnerships will replace and build upon the existing Joint Policing Committees, and will provide a forum for State agencies and local community representatives to work together to act on community concerns. Three pilot partnerships are currently underway in Longford, Waterford and Dublin's North Inner City.
