Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputies for raising this matter and I am aware of recent media reports on the matter. I am deputising for the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform who is unavailable at this time. The Tánaiste shares their concern and that of the public about anti-social behaviour, including the recent serious attack on a young person on a bus. The Tánaiste was appalled to hear of this senseless and potentially fatal attack on the young man. On behalf of the Tánaiste and myself, I wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries.

Strong provisions are already in place to combat anti-social behaviour. The recently enacted Criminal Justice Act 2006 contains further provisions to deal with anti-social behaviour. The provisions allow a senior member of the Garda Síochána to apply to the District Court by way of a civil procedure for an order to prohibit an adult from behaving in an anti-social manner. For children aged 12 to 18 years, specially tailored provisions, fully integrated into the Children Act 2001, allow for a number of steps to be taken. These also culminate in court orders for those engaged in anti-social behaviour.

The relevant provisions of the Act will be commenced following consultations between the Tánaiste's Department, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána. Section 1(3) of the Act makes specific provision to this effect. The purpose of this is to ensure that these provisions will be commenced only after the Commissioner has had the opportunity to make the necessary internal arrangements to ensure the smooth introduction of these new procedures.

The Tánaiste is informed by the Garda authorities that Garda management within the Dublin metropolitan region has an excellent working relationship with the management of Dublin Bus. Regular contact is maintained and any issues raised are dealt with promptly. The Dublin Bus community forum is in place to address anti-social behaviour on buses and meets regularly. Local Garda management and community leaders from the Tallaght area participate in the forum along with Dublin Bus management and union representatives. Local Garda management met with Dublin Bus management following the incident and this was followed by a meeting of the community forum.

Local Garda management, in conjunction with Dublin Bus, has put Operation Saferoute in place to address public order issues on public transport in the Tallaght area. This involves members of the local community policing unit travelling on Dublin Bus services in the Tallaght area in order to prevent and detect incidents occurring on public transport.

The Tánaiste understands the Garda authorities are actively investigating the incident referred to by both Deputies. Five juveniles were arrested following an examination of CCTV footage from the bus on which the incident took place. It is expected that an investigation file will be submitted to the national juvenile office when these inquiries are completed.

I am informed that the Department of Transport has provided €2.8 million for the provision of new digital CCTV on Dublin Bus buses, through the national development plan. Dublin Bus currently uses CCTV to assist in investigating incidents on board buses as well as assisting in identifying the perpetrators of acts of vandalism. In this way Dublin Bus aims to deal with the threat of anti-social behaviour on board and in the immediate vicinity of the bus.

One of the big advantages of the new technology being used is that the quality of the images is much improved. Up to eight cameras can be fitted to each bus. This allows Dublin Bus to produce much clearer images to the Garda Síochána when pursuing individuals and bringing them to account for their activities. The Garda Síochána and Dublin Bus work very closely in this area and Dublin Bus is very appreciative of the support and assistance provided at local level by the Garda Síochána.

Other security measures taken by Dublin Bus include the fitting of all buses with radios enabling almost instant contact with supervisors and the Garda Síochána. In addition Dublin Bus has fitted security screens to all buses to protect drivers and all buses have alarm sirens fitted.

Garda personnel resources have been significantly increased by the Government. The total strength of Tallaght Garda station at 2 October 2006 was 173, all ranks. By comparison, the total strength of Tallaght Garda station at 31 December 1997 was 133, all ranks. This represents an increase of 40, or 30%, in the number of personnel allocated to Tallaght Garda station since that date.

Local Garda management is satisfied with the measures which are currently in place to combat public disorder and other anti-social behaviour on public transport in the Tallaght area. Garda management is not complacent but will continue to focus the resources available where they are most needed.

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