Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he received a report from the Garda Commissioner regarding the serious public order problems which occurred at Malahide and Portmarnock beaches on the weekend of 25-27 May last; the number of cautions and arrests and seizures of alcohol; the number of Gardaí involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31104/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have received a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy and I am happy to set out the information which has been made available to me.

I am informed that the area referred to is within the Coolock Garda District. Local Garda management is aware of an influx of young persons visiting the area during a recent period of good weather and of the problems which arose as a result of this. I am further informed that Gardaí attended to numerous calls including medical emergencies, parking offences and traffic related offences during the period referred to.

I am also informed that Garda management is aware of an incident which occurred at a bus stop in the area due to excessive numbers of people attempting to board a bus. While Gardaí were attempting to remove some of the passengers from the bus a number of public order related incidents took place which led to a number of persons being arrested. There were eight arrests for public order related incidents and those arrested will be dealt with by referral to Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers, adult caution or prosecution.

Policing measures are in place to address anti-social behaviour in the area. High visibility policing by foot and mountain bike patrols is central to this strategy. The area is the subject of regular patrols by uniform and plain-clothes personnel supported by high visibility crime prevention patrols.

I am further informed that a revised Garda policing plan for the area is in place for all weekends up to end of September 2012. Community policing is a central feature and core value of policing policy, and current policing strategies are predicated on the prevention of crime, public order offences and anti-social behaviour. Local Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the area in question in line with policing demands throughout the Division.