Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a matter (details supplied) will be supported. [34717/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Clontarf Garda sub-district. I am further advised that local Garda management is aware of the difficulties that anti-social activity behaviour is causing in this area. The area referred to is patrolled by uniform and plain-clothes units, including the local community policing and garda mountain bike units, which pay particular attention to incidences of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area. Patrols are also supplemented by the district detective and drugs units, the divisional crime task force and traffic corps personnel. Garda records indicate that regular searches of people and vehicles are carried out in this area. To date in 2009, 391 searches of people have been conducted in the Clontarf Garda sub-district, 48 of which were carried out in the area referred to. In addition, there have been 71 detections of offences of possession of drugs for personal use, 16 of which were recorded in the area referred to, with an additional two offences of possession of drugs with intent to supply. Complaints in relation to public disorder and other anti-social type behaviours which are received by the Garda Síochána are investigated and offenders dealt with by means of adult or juvenile caution, fixed charge penalty notice, or the initiating of criminal proceedings. Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences and maintain an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents of the area. This strategy is and will continue to be central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question. Local Garda management closely monitors the operational strategies in place, along with local crime trends and the policing needs of the community. This is to ensure optimum use is made of resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review and paramount consideration will continue to be given to the needs of residents.