Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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567. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will support a matter (details supplied) regarding graffiti; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33187/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the areas referred to are within the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Garda Division. These areas are patrolled regularly by uniform and plain clothes units, including the Community Policing Unit.

I am further informed that graffiti may be regarded as criminal damage and is dealt with by An Garda Síochána under the provisions of the Criminal Damage Act 1991. A person found guilty under the Act may be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.

I am advised that the Garda approach to countering this this type of crime includes tasking local Community Policing Units with collating the different unique "tags" used in graffiti, to help compile information which might identify individuals associated with various graffiti incidents.

I have forwarded details of the Deputy's concerns to the Garda authorities and anyone who has further information in relation to these matters should, of course, report it directly to An Garda Síochána.