Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 9: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the €400,000 spent on Garda overtime arising from a feud in Waterford city represents the best approach to dealing with the issue; his views on whether the State can take other steps to address the feud in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32787/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The nature of Garda work and the requirement that the Garda Síochána respond at short notice to unforeseen circumstances means that some overtime expenditure is sometimes unavoidable for the purpose of effective policing. The objective of Garda overtime is to allow the force flexibility in responding to circumstances that require personnel resources over and above those planned.

The detailed allocation of resources, including the allowance of overtime, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with identified operational requirements. I am informed that a business case is being prepared by local Garda management for the assignment of additional gardaí, thereby reducing reliance on overtime and regional support.

I am advised that the continuation of the ongoing security operation and policing measures in place in Waterford city is necessary to ensure the security and safety of the local and business communities. The primary focus of this operation is the disruption of serious and organised criminal activity, and it has resulted in a number of arrests and seizures of weapons.

The policing and public safety challenge posed by the ongoing incidents referred to has not been encountered previously in the Waterford-Kilkenny Garda division. Garda management is confident that, with the support and co-operation of the community and the resources at its disposal, it will ensure the security and safety of the local community. I call on those involved in this illegal and reckless behaviour to cease it immediately, and I call on all who can assist in bringing it to an end to contact the Garda with whatever information or other assistance they may be in a position to offer.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is with some reluctance that I raise this issue, which is occurring in a town some distance from my constituency, but I raise it because of its seriousness. It is totally unacceptable that, in a very small area of Waterford city in recent times, 14 houses have been burnt down, two children have been shot and injured and a large cache of weapons has been uncovered and seized. People are living in fear and Army bomb disposal teams have been called on a fairly regular basis. Circumstances are totally out of hand in Waterford city.

I acknowledge the role of the Garda, to which great credit is due, but 13,000 man hours have been devoted to the problem in recent times. What is the Minister doing with other Departments, particularly the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to address the underlying feud in Waterford? What has the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform done recently other than allow the Garda sole jurisdiction in dealing with this matter? Is there a role for mediation or agencies other than the Garda? These circumstances are utterly unacceptable and must be dealt with because of the fear in the community of the lawlessness and dangerous behaviour.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand there were efforts at mediation locally and that a number of agencies had been involved in this regard, including the Garda. The initiatives were supported by Waterford City Council, Pavee Point, the Irish Traveller Movement, Waterford Traveller CDP and a number of other people. An independent freelance consultant mediator was appointed, but despite this the Garda had to do its duty. It did require significant resources, as the Deputy rightly acknowledged.

The Garda Commissioner is to appear before the Committee of Public Accounts next week and perhaps this will present an opportunity to ask him about the resources that had to be made available to deal with this case. The case is unprecedented but unfortunately it revolves around a certain number of families. Lest anyone suggests there are insufficient Garda resources in the area, there has been a rise of 27% in the Waterford-Kilkenny division in the past four years. In the past three and half years, there has been an increase of 21% in the Waterford district, bringing the strength to 176. The resources are there. Unfortunately, crime will continue but I hope and pray the efforts that have been made in regard to mediation will work. Those incidents seem to have died down for the time being. A number of people have been arrested and are being brought before the courts.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I call Deputy Rabbitte.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister has already answered.