Written answers

Thursday, 4 December 2014

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Anti-Social Behaviour

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

12. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any communications with the Department of Justice and Equality regarding the tourist experience in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46387/14]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the negative impact that incidents of anti-social behaviour and other problems on the streets of Dublin city centre can have on visitors’ holiday experience and on their impressions of our country.I have previously raised my concerns with both the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Dublin City Manager and I understand that the Garda Síochána and the civic authorities in Dublin are working to tackle these problems. 

Dealing with this behaviour is wider than just the criminal justice system as it involves issues such as drug dependency, homelessness and begging.  It requires a coordinated approach from state agencies involved in social, housing, health and drug treatment services, as well as through partnership with business, community and voluntary groups.

In that regard, I am informed by my Ministerial colleague of a recent initiative to establish a High Level Group involving Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and the HSE to oversee strategic and coherent responses to issues in the city centre.  She plans to meet with the Group soon to see how the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and the overall environment of the city centre can be further supported and strengthened.

In relation to improving the tourist experience in Dublin, following the report of the Grow Dublin Taskforce, which dealt with the impact of anti-social behaviour on tourists, I recently established the Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance to implement the report's recommendations.  The Group, which is being set up under Fáilte Irelandwill be led by the Chairman of Bord Bia, Michael Carey.

Thankfully, Ireland remains a very safe destination generally for holidaymakers and the rate of crime against tourists is relatively low.  Research has shown that the vast majority of our overseas visitors are happy to recommend Ireland as a holiday destination to others.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.