Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the rationale for the establishment of Operation Encounter; the nature of the initiative; the original budget defined for its implementation; the expenditure on it to date; the goals set for the operation before its inception; the goals that have been met and the goals that remain to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14128/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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An Garda Síochána proactively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour. Additional foot and mobile patrols are directed to areas subject to such behaviour during such times when these offences are more likely to occur. All such incidents detected by members on patrol or reported to An Garda Síochána are dealt with immediately and the suspected offenders are dealt with in accordance with the law.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Encounter was commenced by the Garda Commissioner in February, 2002 to target public disorder and anti-social behaviour against the community and local businesses. The Operation specifically targets offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, which include the sale to and consumption of alcohol by underage persons. Since the commencement of Operation Encounter almost 465,000 offences have been detected.

The detailed allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements and priorities. As Operation Encounter is an ongoing operation relating to general duties carried out by Garda members, there is no specific budget allocated for it.