Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 521: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ask the Garda Authorities to report on the action they are taking further to repeated telephone calls to Store Street Garda Station in recent weeks regarding the group of twenty or so persons congregating at a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26431/07]

Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ask the Garda Authorities if they will liaise with those in charge of a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 1 to evolve a strategy to dissuade clients of the centre from congregating adjacent to the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26432/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 521 and 522 together.

The centre referred to by the Deputy provides treatment services for a large number of recovering drug addicts. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that during the recent pharmacists' dispute involving methadone dispensing, additional numbers of recovering addicts also attended the centre. This led to some difficulties as a number of these individuals turned up at irregular and non-appointed times, during which time they congregated in the vicinity of the centre.

Additional patrols by high-visibility uniformed Gardaí and plain-clothes personnel, including the divisional drug unit, were directed by local Garda management because of the impact of the dispute, particularly in this area. The provisions of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 were utilised as appropriate.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a liaison mechanism exists between local Garda management, the management at the centre, as well as with other stakeholders involved and regular meetings take place where issues of concern in relation to the centre's operation are raised and discussed. I am assured by the Garda authorities that the location continues to receive regular and ongoing attention from mobile and foot patrols, including members of the local community policing unit and the divisional drug unit.