Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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413. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a report on the success of Operation Kerbside over the past three years in combatting the problem of prostitution in an area (details supplied). [6181/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Kerb has been in operation in the Bridewell Garda Sub-District since November 2010. The operation primarily focuses on the diversion of women who are engaged in street based prostitution in the area referred to and the prosecution of persons who solicit for the purpose of prostitution. An Garda Síochána engage as appropriate with other agencies in diverting women engaged in such activity. The operation has resulted in 35 searches and 161 arrests or cautions under sections 7 and 8 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993 resulting in 94 charges and summonses. I am further advised that operation has had a significant impact on the prevalence of prostitution in the area and has received positive feedback from local residents.

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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414. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the success of Operation Acer across the Dublin metropolitan region since its inception, with particular regard to the areas policed by Garda stations (details supplied). [6183/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As part of the measures which are coordinated under Operation Fiacla, Operation Acer commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) in March 2012. The operation is in force throughout the DMR including the areas referred to by the Deputy, and has resulted in a reduction in the number of burglaries in those areas. Operation Acer is an intelligence driven operation and includes analysis led checkpoints and patrols to target specific areas and case manage targeted offenders. As the Deputy may be aware the latest crime statistics show that the rate of burglary has decreased by 10.4% nationally for the twelve months ending 30 September 2013 and this underlines the impact being made by the Gardaí.

Operation Acer operates alongside ongoing community policing measures, including problem solving with local communities and ongoing liaison with schools, businesses and households in providing crime prevention advice and assistance to victims of burglary. I am advised that the arrangements in relation to Operation Acer plans are kept under review to ensure that appropriate adjustments are made to maintain the effective focus of the operation.