Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Kennedy and Mr. McPartlan for their presentation. I congratulate them on the work they do and the award they have received. In general, there is a kind of blind spot in regard to crime against tourists because local police are inclined to believe that since the person is going to return home, he or she will not be able to bring the criminals to court because the tourist would be required to return for the court case. These are the types of difficulties around the issue of crime against tourists.

Dublin City Council had a crime committee and we have had local joint policing committees, but I have never heard crime against tourists discussed at any of these committees. Nevertheless, it does happen. I am aware in particular of targeting of tourists on the Luas, between Heuston Station and Abbey Street, with cameras, wallets and documents being stolen frequently. This issue is also a matter for the National Transport Authority and has been raised with it. Little is done because the tourist returns home, but such crime is not good for our tourism image. It is particularly damaging when it happens in a confined area around the city centre. Crime against tourists is just one of the problems that exists on the red Luas line, but has ITAS ever raised the issue with the NTA or the Luas operators? They have security on the Luas lines, but perhaps it is not adequate because crime against tourists is low down on the priority scale. Has ITAS been in touch with them?

In regard to premises, Dublin City Council has a city wide crime committee and deals with crime in general in the city. Perhaps if the Garda has thrown ITAS out of its premises in Harcourt Street Garda station, ITAS should contact the city council which might be able to offer some of its offices.