John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his good wishes and for raising this important matter. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform regrets that he cannot be present as he is dealing with other business. However, I assure the Deputy that the Minister shares his concern, and the concern of all right-thinking citizens, regarding anti-social behaviour and public disorder.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has the power to set policing priorities for An Garda Síochána. One of the priorities set for 2008 is to combat, in co-operation with other agencies and the community in general, problems relating to public disorder, with special emphasis on alcohol-related behaviour — including under age drinking — and socially disadvantaged communities, particularly through the utilisation of the legal mechanisms, such as behaviour warnings and closure orders, that are available.

Strong provisions are already in place to combat anti-social behaviour. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 modernised the law in this regard. Furthermore, the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 contains provisions to deal with alcohol abuse and its effect on public order. In addition, the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides the Garda with powers to deal with late night street violence and anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking.

It is unfortunate, however, that excessive use of alcohol continues to be the cause of far too much of the anti-social behaviour experienced in Tralee and other communities. To address this, the Minister has introduced the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, which is currently being considered by the House. The Bill contains a number of significant reforms of the licensing laws and public order legislation, with the aim of addressing the adverse consequences of alcohol abuse in society. The measures being proposed are a balanced response to problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking.

The strategy underpinning the draft legislation will allow for the increased visibility and availability of alcohol through off-licences, while tightening the conditions under which premises with on-licences qualify for special exemption orders permitting them to remain open beyond normal licensing hours. The Bill increases penalties for public order and licensing offences. Furthermore, it contains measures to curtail drinking in public places — particularly by those under 18 — including allowing gardaí to seize alcohol. These powers will add significantly to the effectiveness of the Garda response to drinking in public places.

The Minister is informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána proactively targets public disorder and anti-social behaviour in Tralee. Areas subject to such behaviour have been identified as hot spots by local Garda management and additional foot and mobile patrols are directed into such areas during times when these offences are most likely to occur. All such incidents detected by members on patrol or reported to An Garda Síochána are dealt with immediately and the suspected offenders are dealt with in accordance with the law.

CCTV systems play an important part in support of policing and the maintenance of public safety. They also act as a useful deterrent to street crime and public disorder. Garda town centre CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of operational needs identified by An Garda Síochána. I understand that CCTV systems have been installed in Tralee and are monitored at the local Garda station. In addition to monitoring of images in real time, all images are recorded and can be reviewed at short notice when required.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority administrative area. The purpose of these committees is to provide a forum where members of a local authority and senior Garda officers, with the participation of Oireachtas Members and community interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations in respect of matters affecting the policing of an area. Some 29 committees are currently operating on a pilot basis in order that experience might be gained before such committees are rolled out to all local authority areas, including that in which Tralee is located. In general, the outcome to date of the work of the committees has been positive and they are meeting definite local needs. Guidelines are being drafted which will enable roll out of the committees to take place and the Minister intends to ensure that this occurs at an early date.

An unprecedented increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána is continuing in line with the commitment in the programme for Government to have 15,000 members of the force by 2010, with an intake of approximately 1,100 recruits per annum. The personnel strength of Tralee Garda district at the end of May was 11% higher than was the case in May 2007. Policing operations and the deployment of Garda resources are matters for the Garda Commissioner. It is, and must remain, the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel within the Garda organisation on a priority basis in accordance with overall policing requirements.

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