Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the action he will take to prevent the loitering of teenagers in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [44666/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within the Clontarf Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of young people congregating at the areas referred to by the Deputy.

The area is patrolled on a regular basis by uniform and plain clothes personnel including mobile, mountain bike and foot patrols, supplemented as required by the Crime Task Force and Drug Unit personnel. Gardaí utilise legislation under the Public Order Act to address issues arising from people gathering at this location and the area is included on a list of public order hotspots with extra patrols being carried out by Gardaí in the area.

I am further informed that community policing is a central feature and a core value in Garda policing policy. The area in question has a designated Community Garda who regularly liaises with the community and local residents. Current policing policy is predicated on the prevention of public order offences and the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property.

In addition, local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the local community, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.