Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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1004. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality following on from the death in Castlebar of two elderly gentlemen in their homes, the proposals that he and An Garda Siochana have to tackle the problem of fear amongst our elderly population that they are not safe in their own homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36999/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware a person has since been charged in connection with these crimes and is currently before the courts and it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment other than to extend my sympathy to all their family and friends. The Garda authorities are extremely aware of the concerns which exist on the part of many elderly persons as to their safety in their homes and are responding through a range of enforcement, prevention and community policy measures.

In particular, An Garda Síochána has implemented a robust and effective response to the incidence of burglary and aggravated burglary, especially through Operation Fiacla which is focused on identifying and targeting mobile gangs involved in burglaries. Operation Fiacla is intelligence driven and specific burglary initiatives have been implemented in each Garda Region to target suspect offenders. As of 31 August, 6,329 persons have been arrested and 3,541 persons have been charged with burglary offences under Operation Fiacla. The latest quarterly figures from the Central Statistics Office for burglary show a welcome reduction of 9.1% in burglary and related offences which is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of the measures which the Garda Commissioner has put in place to successfully disrupt those who seek to prey on law abiding householders.

In so far as the particular needs and concerns of the elderly are concerned, An Garda Síochána's Older People Strategy was launched in 2010. The Garda Older People strategy promotes actions including the development of effective communication links between Gardaí and older people, the delivery of proactive, timely and effective responses by An Garda Síochána for older people, actions to increase trust and confidence by lessening the fear of crime, and indicators to determine and respond to the needs and expectations of older people on an ongoing basis.

These objectives are pursued through various community policing initiatives and crime prevention programmes carried out in partnership with local communities such as Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert. There are currently in excess of 3,700 Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert groups established countrywide. The Garda authorities indicate that there is a significant willingness amongst the public to participate in such initiatives which help to promote responsible community involvement and assist in promoting good crime prevention practice.

I should also mention the Crime Prevention Ambassadors initiative which was recently set up with pilot schemes currently operating in the Cavan/Monaghan and Meath Garda Divisions. This initiative is delivered in partnership with the Aging Well Network and Community Alert and involves older persons in given communities volunteering to act as Crime Prevention Ambassadors within their local areas. Each Crime Prevention Ambassador is provided with a resource pack which includes crime prevention literature and briefings from Crime Prevention Officers and Community Gardaí to equip them with the necessary knowledge which they in turn disseminate within local communities. Of course crime prevention advice specifically for the older persons is also available directly from all Garda stations, or to download on the Garda Website .

Another example of the practical measures being taken under the strategy are the Caller Cards issued under the Bogus Caller Card Initiative to all Garda Divisions for distribution amongst older persons groups and individuals. The Caller Cards resulted from a best practice study under the Garda Older Person Strategy. The initiative provides older people with printed Caller Cards to give to callers offering a service from door to door, requesting them to leave their contact details so that they can get back to them if they require that service. The initiative is intended to empower the older person to take control of these situations and discourages bogus callers. The Garda authorities have my full support in this ongoing work to respond to the needs and concerns of older people and to confront crime in all its forms. I have every confidence that An Garda Síochána will continue to deliver an effective police service which meets the needs of all in our community, including older people.