Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Operations

9:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on Operation House; the scope of same; the number of personnel assigned to the operation and its successes to date; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1057/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the initiative referred to by the Deputy was introduced by local Garda management to address a recorded increase in the number of burglary offences reported in the Blanchardstown Garda District. This initiative was originally in place from 16 March to 16 April, 2009. It was reintroduced in August, 2009 and remains in place.

A dedicated unit, comprising four Gardaí operating on a monthly rotational basis, was put in place targeting this type of criminal activity. To date, both phases of this initiative have resulted in 60 arrests and 75 charges being preferred, with more than 300 searches of persons, vehicles and residences being conducted.

I am also informed that a reduction has been recorded in the number of burglaries being reported. The situation, including crime trends in the area, continues to be closely monitored by local Garda management.

The costs of the initiative are met from the budgetary allocation for the Garda District, and it would require a disproportionate use of Garda resources to provide the budgetary information requested by the Deputy.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 560: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on Operation Mask; the scope of same; the number of personnel assigned to the operation and its successes to date; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1058/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the initiative referred to by the Deputy was introduced by local Garda management in Blanchardstown Garda District to address a recorded increase in criminal activity reported in the vicinity of the Blanchardstown Town Centre, particularly thefts from vehicles and shops.

This initiative, which was in place from November, 2006 to February, 2007, included high visibility crime prevention patrols by uniformed personnel, including a dedicated Garda Sergeant and two Gardaí, in conjunction with management and security personnel at the Centre.

I am also informed that crime trends in the area indicated a reduction in the numbers of the targeted types of offences recorded during the period of the initiative.

The costs for the initiative were met from the budgetary allocation for the Garda District, and it would require a disproportionate use of Garda resources to provide the budgetary information requested.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 561: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on Operation Colt; the scope of same; the number of personnel assigned to the operation and its successes to date; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1059/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Operation Colt was introduced by local Garda management in Blanchardstown Garda District between November, 2005 and July, 2006 to target licensed premises, suspected of being complicit in the sale of drugs in the Finglas sub-district, with members of An Garda Síochána detailed for duty in plain-clothes to detect the illegal sale or supply of drugs. There was no specific budgetary allocation for this initiative.

During the initiative two premises were closed, which have since re-opened under new management.

Since the conclusion of this initiative a designated drug unit has been established in Finglas Garda sub-district. In addition to this all members of An Garda Síochána, including those allocated to Divisional and District Drug units, are tasked with enforcing criminal legislation, including the relevant provisions under the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977/84 and Liquor Licensing legislation, including inspections of licensed premises.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the situation, including crime-trends, remains closely monitored by local Garda management with a view to the re-introduction of similar initiatives if deemed appropriate.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 562: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on Operation Encounter; the scope of same; the number of personnel assigned to the operation and its successes to date; the cost of same to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1060/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Encounter was commenced by the then Commissioner in February 2002. The Operation specifically targets offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, which include the sale and consumption of alcohol by underage persons.

Garda patrols are directed to pay particular attention to areas where persons tend to congregate and where the likelihood of both anti-social behaviour and drinking may occur, in order to reduce incidences of public disorder and anti-social behaviour.

All members of An Garda Síochána proactively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour. Areas subject to such behaviour have been identified as hot-spots by local Garda management, and additional foot and mobile patrols are directed at these areas during 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. Almost 600,000 offences have been detected since the commencement of Operation Encounter. The costs of Operation Encounter are met from the Garda Vote, and it would require a disproportionate use of Garda resources to compile the information requested.

Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities as a result of Operation Encounter or otherwise are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge penalty notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law.

Local policing plans are predicated on the prevention of anti-social and public order offences, the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents.

Senior Garda management is satisfied that adequate resources are available to address these types of criminality. Personnel allocations are constantly monitored by local Garda management.

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