Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the culprits to the 78 hoax call-outs of the explosive ordnance disposal team from the period from 1 January to 15 November 2009 have been apprehended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1977/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The primary objective of the Garda Síochána in dealing with incidents involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including hoax incidents, is to protect the life and safety of the public. The Gardaí receive ongoing support in achieving this aim from the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that in 2009 a total of 96 calls have been identified involving hoax IED incidents and an Army EOD team attended at 88 of these. To date, detections are recorded in 22 of these incidents, which are subject of thorough investigation by the Garda Síochána.

The use of pipe bombs and other IEDs and hoax incidents is a matter of concern to me, a concern that is shared by the Garda Commissioner. Garda strategies are firmly focused on identifying the culprits in such incidents and, where sufficient evidence is adduced, proffering charges and bringing such persons before the Courts.