Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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210. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken by An Garda Síochána to bring an immediate end to joyriding and associated criminal and anti social behaviour over the past three months in a district (details supplied). [40286/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am, of course, conscious of the impact which anti-social behaviour, including anti-social driving have on the quality of life for residents in local communities. 

The Programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities as part of the strong community policing ethos which has long been central to policing in this jurisdiction.  The Deputy will appreciate that the specific allocation of personnel and other resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, but I am assured that the Garda National Model of Community Policing continues to play a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs.  This commitment is also very evident in An Garda Síochána's Modernisation and Renewal Programme, under which new Community Policing Teams are to be introduced in each Garda District. 

Local policing measures to address the type of issues referred to by the Deputy will undoubtedly benefit from the resources now coming on stream through the Garda recruitment programme, and in particular the Government's commitment to increase Garda numbers to 15,000 so that the Commissioner has the capacity to address the needs of communities throughout the country and into the future.

I hope you will appreciate that the policing response to such crimes, including the deployment of Garda resources at local level, is a matter for the Garda authorities in the first instance. I am advised that Garda management carefully monitors the incidence of such crime and that Garda resources are deployed in response to changing crime trends. This may include directing resources at areas designated as “hot-spots” for anti-social behaviour.

An Garda Síochána continues to tackle public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities to reduce this type of behaviour and enhance community safety. The Garda approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour.  The Deputy will appreciate that I do not have a role in relation to Garda policing strategies in any particular local area but have brought Deputy's specific concerns to the attention of the Garda authorities. 

I am advised that Garda authorities conduct ongoing strategic local enforcement operations targeting anti-social driving.  These enforcement operations are intelligence-led, targeting areas in particular where young drivers congregate. Regular Garda mobile patrols and checkpoints are also conducted in these areas and social media and websites are monitored to assist in establishing where events are taking place and to implement the necessary operational Garda response.  Such operations have resulted in young drivers being prosecuted or for driving without a learner permit, driving unaccompanied while on a learner permit and driving a vehicle with prohibited modifications.  Where breaches of road traffic legislation are detected, the Garda authorities make full use of the fixed charge notice, penalty point system, court prosecutions and Juvenile Diversion Programme where appropriate.

Anyone affected by the matters referred to should, of course, contact their local Garda station. Alternatively, information can be provided to An Garda Síochána by way of the Garda confidential line, 1800 666 111, which is a monitored freephone line that allows members of the public to contact An Garda Síochána with information of a confidential nature. Alternatively, members of the public can call Crimestoppers on 1800 25 00 25 to report such matters.

As you are aware, all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with the enforcement of relevant legislation, including the Road Traffic Acts and persons found engaging in dangerous driving are dealt with in accordance with the law.  Specific operations are also conducted targeting anti-social driving behaviour based on analysis of the incidence and location of such behaviour.  Garda management closely monitor all patrols and other road traffic strategies in place, with a view to meeting the policing needs of communities, including to address speeding and anti-social driving, and with a view to reducing the number of fatal and serious injuries on our roads.

I might add that there is a range of strong legislative provisions available to an An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts, the Criminal Damage Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. There are also the incremental provisions contained in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 which provide for warnings and civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults and Part 13 of the Act which provide for warnings, good behaviour contracts and civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by children.