Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 408: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken to deal with anti-social behaviour in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if he will ensure that the closed circuit television cameras are functioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20727/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of ongoing problems of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area concerned. I am further informed that the location referred to is in the Bridewell Garda sub-District and is patrolled by foot and mobile patrols from that Garda station. Members of the local Community Policing Unit allocated to this area liaise with the local community providing crime prevention and security advice.

To date in 2008 there have been twenty two anti-social behaviour type incidents recorded, twenty one of which have been detected, resulting in twenty five arrests and the issuing of two anti-social behaviour warnings and ten on-the-spot fine notices on behalf of Dublin City Council. During the same period six criminal damage incidents have been recorded resulting in the arrest of four persons.

Local Garda management liaises closely with the local authority in ensuring the law is enforced in the area referred to. Additional Garda patrols, including patrols by the District patrol car, District Detective and Drug Units, the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel, have been directed to pay particular attention to this area, with a view to ensuring a visible Garda presence. I am also informed that the CCTV system referred to by the Deputy is maintained by Dublin City Council and is in working order.

Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property and drug-related crime, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. Specific initiatives and special operations are put in place when analysis of criminal behaviour and crime trends indicate that such measures are necessary. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.