Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter which is, no doubt, of great concern to him and to all in this House. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, who regrets that he is unable to be present due to other business.

The Minister shares the shock and revulsion of all law abiding people at the recent reports of senseless acts of violence on Dublin streets. As well as the deep distress caused by such incidents, the Minister is also very conscious of the harm caused by what is sometimes termed as street crime generally and anti-social behaviour as well as the knock-on effect this has on the overall perception of public safety. Despite the understandable public concern over recent incidents, it is important that the good work carried out by An Garda Síochána is recognised. That is reflected in the latest crime figures published by the CSO which show that in the year to 31 March 2012 there was a reduction of more than 8% in assault and related cases and more than 14% in public order offences. Most categories of recorded crime fell in the period.

An Garda Síochána is using the strong legal powers available under the Public Order Acts and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts to keep our streets as safe as possible, including prosecutions where appropriate. The legal provisions deal with street violence and anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking and Garda powers include the seizure of alcohol to prevent under age drinking in public places and to forestall public disorder or damage to property. Gardaí may also issue fixed charge notices for the offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place. These are a more efficient use of Garda resources and avoid court proceedings when an offender pays the penalty.

While no area of public expenditure can be immune from our economic difficulties, a significant amount of resources are devoted to policing. Deployment of these resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner based on where experience and analysis show they are most needed. New Garda rostering arrangements have been introduced in recent weeks. As a result, gardaí can be on duty at the times of the day when they are most needed. This is particularly important in dealing with public order issues, as it is generally certain nights of the week and between certain hours that have the greatest need for Garda patrols.

In Dublin and throughout the country, the Garda works closely with communities, local representatives, businesses and other stakeholders to identify and address problems of street crime and anti-social behaviour. The joint policing committees and local policing fora are important mechanisms for this partnership working, but there are many other avenues for this engagement. Under the Garda policing plan for 2012, liaising with those involved in running licensed premises and other parts of the night-time economy is a particular priority for Garda management.

However, dealing with anti-social behaviour is not simply about policing. Much of the violence is fuelled by young people drinking to excess and taking illegal drugs. This problem is not simply a matter of law and order. Rather, it requires action by parents, educators and those who sell alcohol, not only in public houses, but right across the retail sector. The Minister has indicated that, in the coming months, he intends to put in place new regulations to prohibit the below cost selling of alcohol and also alcohol promotions that encourage excessive drinking. He is in regular contact with the Garda authorities about this matter. These contacts will continue. The Minister welcomes the support from all sides of the House for An Garda Síochána's efforts to keep the streets of Dublin and all towns and cities safe.

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