Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

257. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for dealing with the increase in armed robberies in Dublin; his views on the recent robbery in Howth (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54949/13]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management are aware of the incident referred to by the Deputy. A dedicated investigation team has been assigned to investigate this incident and all lines of inquiry are being pursued. I am advised that Gardaí are maintaining contact with the injured parties to keep them informed of progress.

Local Garda units, plain clothes and uniform, regularly patrol the area concerned, augmented by other Divisional resources. These local units are supported by Garda National Units as the need arises in the investigation of serious criminal offences, including armed crime. Local Garda resources are supported as required with a round-the-clock armed response from specialist units.

While I appreciate the Deputy's concern about the type of crime referred to, I should point out that the latest crime statistics, published today by the Central Statistics Office, show that the rate of burglary has decreased by 10.4% nationally for the twelve months ending 31 October 2013 and this underlines the impact being made by Gardaí under Operation Fiacla. As part of the measures which are coordinated under Operation Fiacla, Operation Acer is in force throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Region. It is an intelligence driven operation and includes analysis led checkpoints and patrols to target specific areas and case manage targeted offenders. These arrangements are kept under review to ensure adjustments are made to maintain the effective focus of the operation.

These initiatives operate alongside ongoing community policing measures, including problem solving with the community and providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary.

In conclusion, I am assured that local Garda Management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in the area to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

258. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that the current laws are sufficient to deal with the offence of shoplifting; his plans to update the law in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54951/13]

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

The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 covers a range of offences including that of theft. Amendments to criminal legislation are considered in the light of the experience of the Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in operating the legislation and in light of relevant court rulings. While neither the Garda Commissioner nor the Director of Public Prosecutions has suggested any amendments to the law relating to shoplifting, were they to do so, I would give them very positive consideration.