Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 162: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ask the Garda authorities to report on the action they are taking to provide adequate protection to the residents of an area (details supplied) in Dublin 7 who are the victims of nightly anti-social behaviour and vandalism by groups of youths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7941/07]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 163: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if arrests have been made arising from vandalism and damage to property carried out in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 7 by a gang of youths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7942/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of the problem local residents have with anti-social behaviour and public disorder in the area concerned, particularly in relation to groups of youths from the locality congregating around the area.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí from its local Garda station with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area. These patrols are backed up by Divisional Garda Units, including the Traffic Corps, Mountain Bike, Drug, Task Force and the District and Divisional Detective Units.

I understand that there has been one incident, of graffiti, recorded in the area referred to. This incident is under investigation by the Garda authorities and arrangements have been made with the local authority to have the graffiti removed. However, no one has been made amenable for this incident to date.

Community policing is a central value of policing policy and there are two Gardaí from the local Community Policing Unit assigned to the area. They liase with local residents and residents' group and give assistance and crime prevention advice. Any complaints of anti-social behaviour and vandalism are fully investigated when reported to the Garda authorities.

Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of 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 in question.