Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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110. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who are part of Operation Tombola in relation to the use of illegal fireworks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24240/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the allocation of all Garda resources and as Minister I have no role in these matters. However Gardaí have informed me that the allocation of resources is kept under continuous review, in light of crime trends and policing priorities, in order to ensure their optimum use.  

The Garda Commissioner has assured me that appropriate policing plans and measures are being implemented, effective since the 4 September, 2020 and that “Operation Tombola” will remain in place in the lead up to and over the Halloween period.

Policing plans under the auspices of “Operation Tombola” include an overt uniform presence and covert element where appropriate. Local Garda management are engaged with relevant stakeholders, including with local authorities to identify, co-ordinate and implement an appropriate multi-agency strategy for the Halloween period.

Community Policing Gardaí will also liaise with various Community groups regarding alternative events around Halloween. It is important to note that this year the Community Policing Gardaí will be doing this important work taking full account of the implications of the regulations pertaining to gatherings in outdoor spaces made under the Health Act 1946, as amended.

The Deputy will wish to note that Operation Tombola also focuses on preventing associated public disorder and anti-social behaviour through the incremental deployment of resources, including Garda Public Order Units to augment local plans as appropriate and each District will prepare an Operational Plan to provide an appropriate policing service.