Crime and disorder in Tallaght
Taylor raised intimidation at Avonbeg Flats and vandalism and stolen cars in Millbrook Lawns. The Minister said Garda measures had been discussed with residents, disputed that people had been driven from their homes, and cited ongoing recruitment to increase Garda numbers.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the tenants in the Avonbeg Flats complex at Tallaght, County Dublin, consisting in the main of single women and old people, are being terrorised and literally driven from their homes as a result of the activities of bands of youths and that numerous complaints have been made about this situation to the Garda authorities; and the steps he is taking to ensure the provision of adequate Garda facilities and patrols in the vicinity of these flats, so that the tenants there can have the protection to which they are entitled.
14.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Justice the steps being taken to deal with the problem of vandalism and stolen cars in the Millbrook Lawns area of Tallaght, County Dublin.
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
The Garda authorities have informed me that, while they appreciate fully the difficulties facing the residents in the Avonbeg Flats and Millbrook Lawns areas of Tallaght, County Dublin, they are not aware of any people having been driven from their homes.
They report that measures to deal with the incidence of crime and vandalism in the vicinity of the Avonbeg Flats were discussed at a meeting with local residents on 6 April which was attended by the Deputy, an inspector of the Garda Síochána and a representative of the local clergy.
A total of seven extra gardaí were allocated to Tallaght station since 1 April 1982, representing a net increase of five in the overall strength at the centre on 31 December 1981 and the question of further increasing the strength will be considered according as the additional manpower currently in training becomes available for assignment to the various centres.
Comment on this
May I put it to the Minister that his information is not complete and that, in fact, one person, at least, was driven from her home in the Avonbeg Flats? Would the Minister not agree that it is not acceptable to say that necessary protection, particularly for defenceless people, is a matter which will be contingent on resources? The responsibility is on the Minister to ensure that people in that location are given the necessary protection and that the resources for that kind of situation will be found because the responsibility is on the State and the Minister to provide them?