Parliamentary Question: Crime Prevention

17th June 2004

142. Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on efforts to deal with crime in the Garda division covering Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18145/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):  The Garda authorities have informed me that the Tallaght district comprises Tallaght and Rathfarham sub-districts. The detective unit is responsible for the investigation and detection of crimes in the district. In addition, the drugs unit is also responsible for the investigation of the supply of illicit drugs in the district. These resources are further supplemented by a divisional task force based in Crumlin.

In addition, the Garda authorities have informed me that a dedicated scenes of crime unit has been established in the division to aid criminal investigations and, when required, the above units receive assistance from the national units, such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the National Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the National Drugs Unit. A crime prevention officer is also based at Tallaght and is available to advise members of the community on crime prevention methods. I have been assured by the Garda authorities that, while the units I have referred to above are tasked with the investigation and detection of crime, the various regular units at Tallaght and Rathfarham also play a major role in the prevention and detection of crime.

I would also like to note the positive effects achieved through the three Garda youth diversion projects in the Tallaght Garda district. These include KEY, Key to Engaging Youth, Killinarden, Fettercairn and Glenshane, JAY, Jobstown Action for Youth and YEW, Youth Enhancement in Whitechurch. Garda youth diversion projects are a community based, multi-agency crime prevention initiative which seek to divert young persons from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social and-or criminal behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long-term employability prospects. By doing so, the projects also contribute to improving the quality of life within communities and enhancing Garda-community relations. A total of €296,420 was made available in 2003 to the three projects in the Tallaght district.