Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps the Gardaí are taking in an area (details supplied) to reduce crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50225/12]

Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of arrests that have been made in an area (details supplied) in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50226/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Ashbourne Garda District. I am further informed that the area is subject to regular patrols by local uniformed and plain clothes personnel, augmented by the Regular Unit and the Detective Unit, together with the Divisional Traffic Unit and the Regional Support Unit as required.

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 to provide the best possible Garda service to the public. While the situation is being kept under review, Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities in the areas concerned and that the current structures in place deliver an effective and efficient policing service.

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 as of 19 October, 2493 persons have been arrested and 1404 persons have been charged with burglary offences under Operation Fiacla.

An Garda Síochána also places great emphasis on the importance of community partnerships in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. An Garda Síochána continues to invest time and energy in these partnerships and relationships to the benefit of all.

In this regard, during September the Garda Commissioner 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. The primary objective of this Garda Community Safety Campaign is to engage with, and raise awareness within communities of initiatives aimed at preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime and promoting community safety.

I am further informed that the number of persons arrested and in custody in Ashbourne Garda station was 573 in 2010, 497 in 2011 and 450 in 2012, up to 8 November. These figures may include arrests made in areas other than Ashbourne, inclusive of the Garda Sub-Districts of Duleek, Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin and Laytown, and brought to Ashbourne Garda Station for custody purposes.