John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 187: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent spate of vandalism and hooliganism in the Sandymount and Irishtown area; the measures he has taken and will take to combat same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41531/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is patrolled by uniformed and plain-clothes Gardaí from Irishtown Garda station, including the District Drugs Unit, Detective Unit, Mountain Bike Unit and the Community Policing Unit. I am further informed that in addition to regular mobile and foot patrols the area is patrolled by the Divisional Crime Task Force to ensure that a concentrated visible Garda presence is maintained.

I am further informed that the Gardaí are aware of a number of recent incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour that have occurred in the area and these are currently being investigated by the Garda authorities.

Current policing plans for the area concerned are predicated on the prevention of anti-social and public order offences, the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent spate of attacks on women in the Ranelagh area; if a rape occurred; the measures he has taken and will take to combat same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41532/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been five recorded incidents of sexual assault in the area referred in the last two months. All of these incidents are under active investigation by the Garda authorities.

I am further informed that one of these alleged assaults has been categorised as a rape. A suspect was arrested in relation to this incident, and a file is being prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Garda authorities are using their resources to prevent and combat such incidents. The area concerned is regularly patrolled by Garda uniform and plain-clothes beat and mobile patrols. These patrols are augmented by other Garda units including the Mountain Bike Unit, Drugs Unit, Community Policing Unit and the Divisional Crime Task Force.