Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The Commissioner visited Drimnagh and was satisfied that there was an adequate number of community gardaí on duty in that area. They represent 4.6% of the total strength of the force and the total number of personnel attached to community policing is 630. Those gardaí perform the duties as defined by Deputy Charles Flanagan, but, in a sense, every garda is a community garda, coming into contact with the community in his or her district in many different ways and ensuring the prevention of crime and the protection of neighbourhoods. That is fundamental. Community policing involves more than a single unit within the Garda Síochána. All gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues.

I agree with the view of the Garda inspectorate, expressed in a recent report, that community policing is a fundamental policing philosophy and that there is a strong foundation for it in Ireland. A review of community policing is under way but community policing is not confined to community policemen.

Many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued. Much of the more serious anti-social activity already falls within the rubric of a defined criminal offence and can be dealt with under the public order legislation, as required. The graduated approach envisaged in the legislation is the right one and gives the gardaí an opportunity to ratchet up the pressure to conform on the person who is responsible for anti-social behaviour.

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