Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I want the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to provide the necessary resources and personnel to deal with the large increase in prostitution in the Arbour Hill area of Dublin. That area comprising Arbour Hill, Montpelier Hill and Bricins Park has become a major centre for prostitution day and night. This was an unexpected fall-out from the Luas works. Construction for Luas has continued for far longer than we expected. Benburb Street had been the centre for that activity, but once the Luas work commenced, it displaced that activity. Consequently many prostitutes now ply their trade in a highly residential area comprising Arbour Hill, Montpelier Hill and Bricins Park.

Bricins Park has a large community of senior citizens, Montpelier Hill has a large community of local authority housing tenants, many of whom are young, and there are many residents in Arbour Hill. It is particularly undesirable and dangerous that the punters, who come to attract the attentions of the women there, accost young girls and women on their way to the shops or just walking in the area. It has become a hazard and is dangerous. There have also been allegations of more criminal activity in the area. For the old folk it is particularly embarrassing as much activity takes place in the confines of the senior citizens' complex.

At a recent public meeting in the local community centre involving the residents, the Garda and the local authority, there were very angry scenes and expressions of annoyance and concern that nothing was being done. It was stated that the situation had got out of hand, that there was an alarming increase in this type of activity and that young women and children were being accosted in the area. This problem did not exist in the past and has now become a serious concern in the area.

At the meeting residents stated that police patrolling is inadequate. I understand that gardaí stationed at the Bridewell do not have their own vehicles and have to get them from elsewhere. Garda numbers in the Bridewell have not increased in ten years. Given the increase in crime in the country, particularly in the inner city, it is incredible that the Government has not given a single additional garda to the Bridewell station. There are two fewer gardaí there when compared with ten years ago, which is unbelievable considering the enormous increase in public order offences etc. in the area.

The residents requested the installation of CCTV cameras, particularly in the vicinity of the senior citizens complex and where children and young people congregate and play, to assist in identifying those involved in kerb crawling in the area. The need for greater lighting, which would be an effective deterrent, was highlighted. Most of all, there was a demand for the Garda to be more proactive and assiduous in arresting not just the women plying their trade there but also the punters. While this is sometimes seen as an offence committed by only one person, that is not the case. If more of the clients were brought to the courts and named and shamed, it might be possible to disperse much of the activity that takes place. I ask that action be taken and resources provided to implement some of the proposals I have suggested.

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