Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have raised the issue of serious public disorder and anti-social and criminal behaviour in districts of Dublin Bay North with the Minister for Justice and Equality several times since June. I was responding to great distress of constituents who sent me photographs and video recordings of cars being burnt out in broad daylight. I was told of appalling anti-social and criminal behaviour as up to five and six vehicles were recklessly driven around estates and then set on fire in nightly episodes often lasting until 6 a.m. This outrageous behaviour is incredibly dangerous, as homes were effectively blockaded by abandoned and burning vehicles and the lives of families and local children were put at risk.

Unfortunately, the initial response of An Garda Síochána in mid-summer was very slow due to what is widely perceived as a lack of resources, especially in community policing. Following urgent requests from community leaders, development bodies and local public representatives, a policing plan was finally implemented and resulted in a reduction in this crime. However, it persists, with several incidents each week. Communities are fearful that the forthcoming Hallowe'en festival will be used by alleged miscreants and ringleaders to set off another orgy of vandalism and burning of vehicles, with all the associated drink and drug-fuelled mayhem.

This sets a terrible example for children and teenagers in communities whose citizens have striven hard to create safe and secure neighbourhoods. This appalling anti-social behaviour is part of a general increase in such behaviour across Dublin Bay North and other constituencies. My office often receives reports of intimidation of families and households, widespread vandalism of public facilities, including DART and Irish Rail stations, unauthorised and dangerous use of quad vehicles and scrambler motorcycles in public parks, burglaries, a plague of graffiti and other nuisances. What action is the Minister for Justice and Equality taking to address this problem?

The Tánaiste, in her previous role as Minister for Justice and Equality, bears a major responsibility in this regard, having slashed Garda numbers, particularly in the area of community policing. Last year, for example, the number of gardaí in the R and J districts of Garda division DMR north stood at only 202 and 160, respectively. The J district alone has lost nearly 60 gardaí since 2010 and the economic crash, an issue discussed in the House a moment ago. The number of community gardaí was also substantially reduced during this period. When I contacted the current Minister for Justice and Equality in July, he stressed the importance of the Garda national model of community policing and indicated that new community policing teams would be introduced in each Garda district in accordance with the Garda Act 2005 and the Garda Inspectorate report of 2007. Many citizens will agree with former garda, Mr. Trevor Laffan, who wrote on thejournal.iethat "community policing no longer exists" as a result of the actions of the past two austerity Governments.

I have no doubt that the Tánaiste will refer to the plan to have 21,000 gardaí and other staff in place by 2021 and I obviously welcome this measure. However, what we need is the urgent roll-out of community policing teams in my constituency and other constituencies. Will the Government give a commitment to having community policing put back at the heart of the policing service and increasing the visibility of community gardaí?

What steps are being taken to apprehend the ringleaders involved in the appalling anti-social behaviour I have described, to caution them, to link them with juvenile liaison officers and, if necessary, to prosecute them? What is being done to identify and prosecute adults selling or transferring cars and other vehicles to children? Legislation I introduced in this area some 15 years ago on behalf of the Labour Party remains the law of the land. However, it appears that it is not being implemented because the supply of vehicles to children has not been stopped. Urgent action is needed.

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