Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 507: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of complaints received by the gardaí in relation to the operation of the ultrasonic youth deterrent device known as The Mosquito; his views on the operation of this device; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35165/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of the device referred to by the Deputy which is allegedly used to deter people from congregating or loitering.

Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 creates the offence of assault and refers to the application of force. The section specifies that "force" includes application of, inter alia, noise.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that an instruction has issued to all members of An Garda Síochána that any complaints received regarding the use of such devices are to be fully investigated. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the statistical information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to collate.