Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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63. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report the work to support An Garda Síochána in preventing and combatting crime perpetrated against older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7518/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The safety and welfare of every person, especially the most vulnerable in our communities, is of utmost importance.

The Government is committed to ensuring that people across Ireland are safe and feel safe, and to ensuring that there is strong, visible and effective policing, including community policing.

A key pillar of the Programme for Government is building stronger and safer communities. I recognise that safety is not just about the number of Gardaí. Community safety is a whole of Government responsibility and it requires a multi-agency approach.

Of course, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including Garda operations aimed at preventing and detecting crime. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a bespoke older persons plan is currently in development at the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau. The plan outlines how An Garda Síochána is committed to meeting the policing needs of older people in Ireland and I understand that the target date for the publication of this bespoke plan is Q2 2023.

To deliver on this commitment, the plan is linked with the Garda Community Policing Framework, the Garda Diversity Strategy, the Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy and Ireland's Government Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030.  An Garda Síochána will determine and respond to the needs and expectations of older people. This plan will be realised through the following four strategic objectives:

1. Reduce the fear of crime and crimes against older people.
2. Increase Garda engagement and accessibility with older people.
3. Support Community and Road Safety initiatives that assist older people
4. Utilise community partnerships and consultation of older people to respond to the ongoing needs and expectations of older people.

An Garda Síochána has also proactively sought to raise awareness of crimes specific to older people, with campaigns headed by the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit such as the ‘Don’t Turn Your Back Campaign’ highlighting the issue of elder abuse.

An Garda Síochána assigns a Crime Prevention Officer to each Division and officers are available to assist people with any crime prevention advice and assistance they might require. These officers are highly trained and will offer help and specific advice to vulnerable groups.

Community Policing Units in each Division also take on the responsibility to build and develop positive relationships within the community and for that reason are invaluable in reaching older people to offer advice and be a trusted support if required.