Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps the Gardaí in a town (details supplied) in County Meath are taking to reduce the levels of burglaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43584/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Dunboyne Garda Sub-District, which forms part of the Ashbourne Garda District.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner has put Operation Fiacla in place in order to address incidents of burglary, aggravated burglaries and related offences throughout the country. Operation Fiacla is intelligence driven and specific burglary initiatives have been implemented in each Garda Region to target suspect offenders. I am informed that over 1,700 persons have been arrested and that almost 1,000 persons have been charged in the first six months of the Operation, reflecting the substantial efforts being made by the Gardaí to tackle those involved in burglary and property crimes in all parts of the country.

I am further informed that the area referred to by the Deputy is subject to patrols by local and district uniform and plain clothes personnel, supplemented as necessary by Divisional plain clothes personnel, the Divisional Traffic Corps and Regional Support Units. 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 the area to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

An Garda Síochána also places great emphasis on the importance of the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. In this regard, the Garda Commissioner recently launched the second national public awareness week this year under the 'Garda Supporting Safer Communities Campaign’. This important campaign highlights a range of key issues, in particular burglary prevention information and advice, to operate alongside targeted policing responses to burglary.

I am further advised that, while the situation is being kept under review, Garda management is satisfied that a comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the residents of the area referred to.