Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy. The Minister understands the general public's concerns about violent street crime. He wishes to underline the Government's unwavering commitment to tackling all forms of criminal behaviour on our streets. I understand the Deputy's concern about street crime giving the city or certain parts of it a bad name. Like any town or city, Dublin depends a great deal on tourism. We do not want a view of it as having high levels of crime rippling through the tourism sector, as it would cause the economic difficulties outlined by the Deputy. I assure him that I will raise his concerns with the Minister and that the Garda is aware of criminal activity in Dublin. There is no easy solution.

I will also raise the Deputy's point about joint policing not working like it does in other cities. He compared Dublin with Belfast, where several people are employed by the council to work on joint policing committees with councillors, communities and the police force. The Minister is keeping a close watch on what is occurring in the city, as is the Garda. The Minister receives regular briefings on the city's crime levels.

See this speech in context