Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding crime issues. [16043/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Insofar as the crime related issues raised in the correspondence referred to are concerned, I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of the issues affecting the areas in question in Dublin city centre.

Local Garda management has put in place a number of policing initiatives to prevent and disrupt anti-social behaviour, including the sale, distribution and use of drugs in the locality. The use of such initiatives has been acknowledged by the business community in the area as resulting in a reduction in this type of behaviour. An Garda Síochána liaises with the relevant authorities at local drug treatment centres and with the transport services providers to reduce the opportunity for such offences occurring. There is also ongoing liaison through the Community Policing Unit with local residents and the local business community.

The provisions of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts are also fully utilised by members of An Garda Síochána to address public disorder and other anti-social behaviour, including unlawful begging.

I am further informed that any incidents resulting in suspected child abuse or neglect are dealt with under the protocols currently in place between An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive (HSE), the provisions of which are strictly adhered to, with ongoing liaison between Garda management in the relevant Divisions and local management within the HSE.

The areas referred to are also subject of regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes units, including the Community Policing and Garda Mountain Bike Units, local Detective and Drug Unit personnel, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel.

Local Garda management closely monitors such patrols, and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities in the locality and that current structures in place meet the requirements of the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service to those concerned.

Insofar as broader crime questions are concerned, I can further inform the Deputy that I intend to build on existing work in order to put in place a National Anti-Crime Strategy, arising from the White Paper on Crime consultation process. This will provide a strategic framework for all of the measures in place to tackle crime, including prevention, intervention and enforcement measures, as well as measures to support victims. My intention is to publish this Strategy later this year and that it will help to guide our work to tackle crime into the future.