Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 381: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on statistics made available in April 2008 by the chief superintendent in the Dublin metropolitan region west division which demonstrate a marked increase in the number of public order incidents, which are up 22% overall, up 50% in Lucan, 20% in Clondalkin, 22% in Ballyfermot and 23% in Ronanstown; and the new initiatives he will undertake in order to reverse this trend. [15278/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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It is the nature of public order offences that in the majority of cases they are recorded and detected only because of the vigilance of Gardaí. The increase in the number of public disorder and anti-social behaviour type offences recorded is predominantly due to more pro-active policing and the Commissioner's enforcement policy in respect of such offences. In the DMR West Division it is also due to interaction with local community groups which have requested additional public order policing.

In particular, it is due to pro-active policing of public parks and specifically targeting designated public disorder 'hot-spots' in a concerted effort to tackle the concerns expressed by residents. Extra foot, bicycle and mobile patrols have been directed by local Garda management in these areas, and additional 'hot-spots' have been identified. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 it is open to me to set policing priorities for An Garda Síochána. One of the priorities I have set for 2008 is to combat, particularly in cooperation with other agencies and the community generally, the problems of public disorder. I specified that there should be particular emphasis on alcohol related behaviour (including under age drinking) and socially disadvantaged communities.

I also set up an Advisory Group which has reported to me on this issue and made recommendations. I am bringing forward legislation with the aim of controlling access to alcohol and consumption of alcohol, particularly from the off licence trade, by young people and others, as well as other measures to deal with disorderly behaviour due to drinking. Details will be announced in the very near future. With the help of all parties in the House, we should have this legislation enacted before the summer.

Strong provisions are already in place to combat anti-social behaviour. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 contains provisions to deal with alcohol abuse and its effect on public order. In addition, the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides the Garda with powers to deal with late night street violence and anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking. Operation Encounter was commenced by the Garda Commissioner in February 2002 to target public order and anti-social behaviour against the community and local businesses. The Operation specifically targets offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1996 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, which include the sale and consumption of alcohol by underage persons. Almost 465,000 offences have been detected since the commencement of Operation Encounter.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social or criminal behaviour. Under the agreed Programme for Government 2007-2013, I have pledged to increase the number of projects in operation nationwide from the current total of 100 to 168. There are currently five Garda Youth Diversion Projects in operation in the areas referred to by the Deputy, one in Clondalkin, two in Ballyfermot and two in Ronanstown. An application to establish a Garda Youth Diversion Project in other areas would be considered in the context of the proposed expansion of the scheme.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total personnel strength of Lucan, Clondalkin, Ballyfermot and Ronanstown Garda stations at 31 March, 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is 362. This represents an increase of 4% since 31 March, 2007. An unprecedented increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána is continuing in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, with an intake of approximately 1,100 recruits per annum. In addition, there is a significant expansion under way in the number of civilian staff being made available to the Commissioner.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority administrative area. The purpose of these committees is to provide a forum where members of a local authority and senior Garda officers, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area. There are currently 29 committees in operation in a pilot phase, the purpose of which is to gain experience before rolling the committees out to all local authority areas in the State. As part of the pilot phase, a committees has been established in the local authority area of South Dublin. In general the outcome to date has been positive, and the committees are meeting definite local needs. Following consultation with my colleagues, the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, I intend to issue revised guidelines to enable the roll out of the committees to take place shortly. The statistics quoted by the Deputy were provided to the South Dublin County Council Joint Policing Committee by the Garda representative at a recent meeting.