Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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63. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on recent crime trends in Dublin; and the reports she is receiving from the Garda Commissioner on changes in operational policing. [35975/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In line with goal one of Justice Plan 2022 to Tackle crime, enhance national security and transform policing, I have been informed that An Garda Síochána are undertaking a number of operations in Dublin as part of the government’s overall aim to ensure that people are safe and feel safe in their own community.

As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes responsibility for the organisation's approaches to preventing and investigating criminal activity. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

I can inform the Deputy that the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) closely monitors crime trends and disseminates analysis on a regional and divisional basis. This feeds directly into planning operational activities aimed at reducing and preventing crime.

I can also assure the Deputy that local Garda management continue to monitor crime trends across their respective Divisions. I understand that when specific crime trends/patterns are identified, local management consider additional measures outside of normal policing responses, including location-specific patrols, intelligence-led operations, and searches and arrests to combat known individuals involved in such crimes. As the Deputy will appreciate, these measures are best implemented on a local basis and this is an operational decision for the Gardaí.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are a number of Garda operations in place in Dublin city centre and the wider DMR.

In October 2021, Operation Citizen commenced in the city centre and was initiated to reassure the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin city centre that it is a safe place. The aim of this operation is to deliver an enhanced high visibility policing presence in the city centre on a daily basis. This operation places a particular focus on anti-social behaviour, public order and quality of life issues, assaults and high-volume crimes, and involves increased visible policing, particularly at key locations.

In January this year, the Garda authorities launched Operation Saul to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen. The aim of Operation Saul is to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR).

In addition to the above, Operation Irene commenced in the DMR on 1 June, 2022 and continues until 31 August, 2022. The aim of this operation is to combat under-age alcohol consumption and the consumption of alcohol in public places in the DMR, in a targeted operation through the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol and other associated legislation.

Operation Limmat is the DMR’s Assault in public and public order reduction strategy. The Operation promotes a pro-arrest and early-investigation approach to incidents of assault together with driving high-visibility policing in public places to act as a deterrent to prevent and reduce assaults and public order offences in the DMR.