Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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315. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the new measures that have been taken to improve the policing of Dublin city centre; if she will provide an update to her announcement on 18 December 2014 outlining measures to improve public safety in Dublin city centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8844/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware I fully support the combined efforts of An Garda Síochána, and other agencies in addressing policing and related issues in Dublin City Centre. I met with Dublin business associations at the end of last year to discuss their concerns, having met shortly beforehand with An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, HSE Addiction Services and the Dublin Homelessness Executive. These meetings provided a welcome opportunity to discuss how all concerned can work together to address these issues, and this cooperation is being maintained through the Dublin City Business Forum and a High Level Group involving the relevant state agencies.

The measures already in hand include enhanced City Centre policing initiatives as part of the ongoing implementation of the Dublin City Centre Policing Plan. This involves a high-visibility uniformed presence on key thoroughfares, as well as the use of undercover Gardaí as appropriate.

In addition a new multi-agency street outreach approach is being used to work with vulnerable and high-risk individuals and an offender management programme is being piloted to address repeat offending in the Dublin City area. The Government's initiatives to tackle homelessness, including the provision of additional emergency beds and access to necessary health and other supports, are also helping to address broader aspects of the problems sometimes experienced on our streets.

I am encouraged at this very positive and ongoing engagement and am currently awaiting a further update from the Garda authorities, and will continue to engage with business and other stakeholders. I will contact the Deputy again directly as soon as the Garda report is to hand.