Written answers
Wednesday, 16 September 2020
Department of Justice and Equality
Crime Prevention
Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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116. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the resources allocated to the public safety campaign in relation to illegal fireworks conducted by her Department in each of the past five years; the number of schools, youth or community organisations that have been visited in each year as part of the campaign; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24246/20]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware each year as we approach Halloween, my Department runs an annual awareness campaign highlighting the public safety aspects of the use of firework and the illegality of selling, igniting or throwing fireworks, as well as the penalties that these offences can attract.
The campaigns in 2016 and 2017 were predominately newspaper based, however, from 2018 onwards have focused more on an online presence.
The 2020 campaign will be launched shortly.
The costs associated with this campaign from 2016 onwards are provided in the table below.
| Year | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2019 | €17,840.81 |
| 2018 | €29,090.89 |
| 2017 | €36,676.44 |
| 2016 | €34,680.70 |
The figure for 2019 includes spending on research into the effectiveness of the campaign.
In addition to the campaign run by my Department, at this time of year, special efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks under Operation Tombola.
Work undertaken includes promoting awareness of the dangers associated with the improper use of fireworks and of unsupervised bonfires through the use of the media, social media, school visits and information leaflet distribution by members and the Crime Prevention Officer.
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