Tackling thugs will be priority

THE Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, is to raise the issue of anti-social behaviour with the Garda Commissioner after a series of incidents across the Southside in recent weeks.

The minister has vowed to bring the matter to the commissioner’s attention after a string of attacks on local private homes, schools and community centres was highlighted by Deputy Pat Rabbitte (Lab).

Speaking during a Topical Issue Debate last week, Deputy Rabbitte told the minister how anti-social behaviour was

“eating away at the heart of some of our communities and causing misery for families trapped in certain neighbourhoods

?.

“The thugs target people who are vulnerable, those who are living alone, older people, women and sometimes immigrants,

? Deputy Rabbitte stated.

“In my constituency recently, on four consecutive occasions they have broken into a primary school.

“Their takings over the four break-ins were

?¬8 but the damage done to the school was of an immensely greater value. They have broken into the Community Enterprise Centre and done serious damage to some of the social enterprise units there.

“They have attacked the private property of some people attending meetings in the area.

“I have seen very sad cases,

? Deputy Rabbitte added.

?There are some people who cannot peacefully enjoy their own homes.

“I know of cases where people are afraid to go out at night and where women living alone feel vulnerable and exposed.

“I know of circumstances where, over Christmas, a single man’s residence was broken into and the few bob in savings he had in the world were stolen while he was at work as a night watchman.

“They knew his movements because they had tracked them. They were ready for it, they broke in and did damage. Sometimes they engage in wanton destruction just for the sake of it.

?

Deputy Rabbitte told the minister that it was not widely understood just

“how bad the phenomenon is

? in some estates in his constituency,

“in the minister’s constituency, in many parts of South West Dublin and in many urban areas

?.

“It is corroding the fabric of community in those areas,

? he warned.

“It is a difficult issue for policing. It is a difficult issue in which to mount effective prosecutions. I am afraid that, long-term, law-abiding residents in those areas think that those gangs of youths can maraud and rampage with impunity and that the State’s agencies and institutions are not capable of dealing with it.

?

In response, Minister Fitzgerald said the concerns regarding anti-social behaviour were

“very prominent

? in her work as minister.

“From my role as a public representative I am aware that the issue raised by Deputy Rabbitte is one that demands ongoing attention and intervention,

? she stated.

“In so far as the specific local circumstances to which Deputy Rabbitte referred are concerned, I will raise them with the Garda Commissioner and will revert to the deputy when I have a detailed assessment of the particular instances he has highlighted.

“I have been in contact with the commissioner about the type of issue raised by Deputy Rabbitte. It is a key priority for the gardaí to tackle anti-social behaviour and such public disorder as has been outlined, as will be evident in the policing plan for the year, which will be published shortly.

?

Deputy Fitzgerald said she hoped some of the 300 new recruits for the gardaí announced last year would be deployed to tackle anti-social behaviour in a range of communities.

“A further 100 recruits will begin training next week,

? Minister Fitzgerald said.

“That will give the gardai the opportunity to deploy extra staff and to examine where gardaí are posted. While the deployment of these resources is a matter for the commissioner, we are providing her with the capacity for the first time in years to be able to assign new recruits to meet policing needs in the community.

?