Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has met with the traders, shop owners or the policing forum in the Thomas Street-Francis Street-Meath Street areas to discuss the increase in open drug dealing and associated crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18874/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Operational matters are an issue for the management of the Garda Síochána. However, I am in regular contact with the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána on matters of importance.

I am informed by the Garda Síochána that the areas referred to by the Deputy receive regular attention from officers based at Kevin Street station and consists of patrolling by uniformed gardaí, detective units, the divisional crime task force, the special resource unit, the Garda mountain bike unit and the community policing unit. The district drugs unit at Kevin Street station also constantly patrols these areas.

Garda management keeps the issue of resource allocation under constant review in all areas to best determine the policing methods most appropriate for local communities. In this respect the involvement of the local community directly with gardaí through local police fora is to be encouraged and supported. I am informed that, in this case, the gardaí are constantly liaising with the business community in the areas referred to with a view to ensuring that problems of concern to it are addressed effectively.