The urgent need for the Minister for Justice to provide additional
resources to an Garda Síochána and to review legislation on the sale of
alcohol following very large gatherings at seaside resorts, including
Portmarnock and Howth, during the recent spell of good weather which
resulted in some serious incidents of anti-social behaviour and which put
great pressure on the members of An Garda Síochána in protecting residents
and visitors to the seaside.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceann Comhairle,
On behalf of the Minister for Justice, Equality & Defence, who is attending
an engagement in Brussels in his capacity as the Minister for Defence, I
wish to thank the Deputy for raising this matter which is of significant
public importance.
I should say first of all that extended periods of good weather are no
excuse for the type of anti-social behaviour referred to by Deputy.
The Minister has been informed by the Garda Commissioner that sufficient
Garda resources were available and deployed to deal with all the incidents
which arose.
The House will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the
detailed allocation of resources, including personnel and transport,
throughout the organisation and the Minister has no direct function in the
matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored by the
Commissioner and his senior management in the context of demographics,
crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a
District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of
Garda resources.
A Regional Operation Plan (Operation Irene) has commenced in the Dublin
Metropolitan Region which incorporates a range of policing actions to be
implemented at identified "hot spots", which, with the advent of milder
weather, longer evenings and school holidays, may experience an upsurge in
anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol consumption e.g. public
parks, laneways and other open spaces. The Operation commenced on 1 June
2013 and will continue until 31 August 2013.
Specifically in relation to the incidents at Howth and Portmarnock, Gardai
established checkpoints to identify persons bringing alcohol into the areas
in question, a number of arrests were made and significant quantities of
alcohol were seized. There was close cooperation with local businesses and
in one instance the store owner agreed to remove alcohol from sale, for
which they are to be commended.
There is also a range of strong legislative provisions available to an An
Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour.
The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides Gardaí with powers to
deal with anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking, including
exclusion orders in respect of premises and closure orders for licensed
premises and catering outlets following anti-social behaviour related
offences.
The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provides for the seizure of alcohol in the
possession of a person under the age of 18 which Gardaí suspect is for
consumption in a public place. Gardaí may also seize alcohol to forestall
public disorder or damage to property. Fixed charge notices may be issued
for the offences of intoxication in a public place and/or disorderly
conduct in a public place. This option has the benefit of a more efficient
use of Garda and Court resources, while also allowing an offender who
complies with the notice to avoid a possible criminal record.
While the Minster is satisfied that sufficient legislative powers are in
place to deal with these issues, he will keep the matter under close review
in consultation with the Commissioner.
Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing
service is being delivered to the communities in the area concerned and
that current structures in place meet the requirements of the delivery of
an effective and efficient policing service.
The Minister is determined that the resources of An Garda Síochána will be
used in the best, most effective and efficient way possible. He remains
confident that the primary Garda objective of combating crime will continue
to be achieved, and that, despite the pressure on the public finances, it
will be possible for the Force to operate to the optimum benefit of our
communities in a manner that will facilitate the prevention and detection
of offences.