Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 268: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [9670/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Raheny Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in the area as a result of anti-social behaviour. An Garda Síochána deal with such anti-social behaviour by utilising public order legislation and issuing local authority fines on the spot for public drinking. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately, in accordance with the law. The area is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 269: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [9671/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in Clontarf Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of a number of incidents of the type referred to by the Deputy occurring in the area. These incidents are under active Garda investigation. The area referred to is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and the Traffic Corps.

The Garda Policing Plan for 2009, which reflects the priorities set for the Force by me as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, contains a series of measures aimed at reducing the impact of crime and criminal behaviour. One of the strategic goals identified in the Plan is to reduce significantly the incidence of offences against the elderly and to engage with older people by offering crime prevention and security advice.

The Neighbourhood Watch Handbook 2007-2011 contains crime prevention advice to help the elderly deal inter alia with doorstop callers. The handbook is distributed through Neighbourhood Watch and community Gardaí who have the lead role in combating crime against the elderly. Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.