Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I do not have definitive figures, but I can provide some information for the Deputy. Again, I must be careful not to say anything that could prejudice prosecutions. Operation Fiacla has been particularly successful. A number of individuals will find themselves before the courts in the not too distant future as a result of successful investigations. Some of those who have been engaged in appalling thuggery will find themselves before the courts. The Deputy will understand, therefore, if I do not say anything more on the matter. I pay tribute again to the Garda for the work it has done in this area.

I am conscious of the value of community alert schemes which have been funded through my Department. Unfortunately, owing to the financial and economic legacy the Government has inherited, we must reduce the levels of public expenditure. I have approximately €100 million less available in my Department in 2012 than I had in 2011. However, we are doing our best to ensure community alert schemes are adequately funded. Towards the end of last year we managed to find additional funding to meet needs. We are operating with substantial efficiency in the Department. An initial allocation of funding is being made to the community alert scheme this year and if the schemes require additional supports, I am hopeful we will be able to provide them towards the end of the year.

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