Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional resources Gardaí in the R District are being provided with to deal with Halloween; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47552/12]

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

As you are aware, the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter.

Notwithstanding this, the Commissioner informs me that there are approximately 224 Gardaí assigned to the Coolock District in the Dublin Metropolitan North Division. The Division is also supported by 63 Garda Reserves and 42 civilians. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units such as the Garda National Drug Unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

With regard to the recent Halloween period, a policing plan was in place in the this District. This plan was designed to address all aspects associated with the policing of the period concerned including the prevention and detection of sale of fireworks and other anti-social behaviour. Local Management are satisfied that sufficient resources were deployed to police the period.

Local policing plans are predicated on the prevention of anti-social and public order offences and the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property. In order to reduce incidences of public disorder and anti-social behaviour type activities, particularly at this time of year, patrols in general are directed to pay particular attention to those areas where local youths tend to congregate and where the likelihood of both anti-social behaviour and drinking on the streets may occur.