Jim O'Callaghan
Question:24. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if additional measures have been taken to strengthen security in the wake of the recent London and Manchester attacks. [33148/17]
Priority Questions
Anti-Terrorism Measures
These are the Minister's first oral parliamentary questions as Minister for Justice and Equality. I have wished him well before and I wish him well again now. It is appropriate that I start by asking the Minister a question in reference to the safety of the Irish public. Have additional measures been taken to strengthen security in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in London and Manchester?
The recent attacks in London and Manchester were barbaric acts of senseless violence that targeted defenceless people. They fit a sadly familiar pattern of terrorism that has blighted many countries around the world.
The expert threat assessment is that while an attack here is possible, it is unlikely, and there is no specific information relating to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism. That said, there is no complacency in this regard and the level of threat from this source is kept under constant and active review by An Garda Síochána.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to go into the detail of the security measures in place without handing an advantage to anyone who might wish to do harm. While we must not underestimate the challenges posed by brutal incidents of the type we have seen, I can assure the Deputy that the authorities here are taking and will continue to take all necessary and appropriate measures to counteract the threat. Indeed, only this morning I was briefed again in some detail on these matters by the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda has in place appropriate operational measures to prevent and to respond to terrorist incidents in terms of intelligence, a well-trained and equipped special intervention capability and other national support resources, including armed support. The considerable operational skills and resources of the Defence Forces are also available where needed. Additional resources were provided in the Garda Vote last year that included a dedicated allocation of funding for combating the threat from international terrorism. This is being used in respect of certain additional training, operational equipment and personnel requirements.
The establishment of the armed response unit for the Dublin region is a key investment in enhancing the armed response capacity for critical incidents and in freeing up and supporting the specialist capacity of the emergency response unit, ERU. The resources requirements and allocations in this regard are being kept under active review.
Since the terror attacks in Manchester and London, there has been a heightened sense of concern in Ireland. There is a concern as to whether we are sufficiently prepared to meet the challenge of modern terrorism. That concern was added to because one of the individuals involved in the killings in London had lived in Ireland for a while. On a positive note, we have members of An Garda Síochána with considerable experience in dealing with terrorism on this island. More recently, they have also combated serious gangland violence. However, there are a number of negative aspects that the Government needs to address. After the terror attacks in London and Manchester, senior members in the Garda representative organisations said they did not believe that ordinary rank and file members of An Garda Síochána were prepared for such terrorist attacks. We need to ensure they are adequately prepared. We need to liaise with the Commissioner to ensure sufficient measures are in place in order that if there is a terrorist attack in this country, in an urban or rural area, there can be an immediate response. That issue needs to be addressed imminently.
I agree with the Deputy on the importance of measures in this regard. The Garda authorities have been implementing all necessary security measures proportionate to the threat, and all relevant agencies co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. The Garda Síochána will continue to take all possible steps to deal with any threat to this country, combining its strong intelligence base with a well trained, armed, special intervention capacity and a range of other national policing resources. In respect of the resources available and having regard to the fact that the threat from international terrorism is an evolving one, the Garda Commissioner reviewed Garda capabilities and the Government provided additional dedicated funding for personnel, equipment and training requirements that have been identified in this area. In seeking to adapt to these changing circumstances, we must constantly review the resource requirements that may arise for An Garda Síochána. That is precisely what is happening. I keep matters under constant review from a departmental perspective. This morning, I had another opportunity to receive a detailed briefing from the Garda authorities. They have made it clear that ongoing priority is being given to ensuring that members of An Garda Síochána, who will be in the front line when dealing with this type of attack, are given appropriate training.
We have addressed the issue of policing but I still believe there are further steps to be taken in that respect. Of course, terrorism cannot be responded to just through policing. The State must also have adequate intelligence services in place. It is probably time for us to consider whether the intelligence services we have need to be updated, reviewed or improved. In the context of the appalling terrorist attacks in Britain, we must examine the structures we have in place for gaining intelligence. It appears that Ireland is the only EU country that does not have a national security and intelligence agency. I am not saying we should have a knee-jerk reaction by establishing a separate body and taking those responsibilities from the Garda and the Army, which have fulfilled them very well over the years. However, we must consider what role we, as legislators, can play in terms of assessing and questioning the intelligence community. Nobody is suggesting that confidential information should be handed out or opened and disclosed in a non-confidential way but in other countries such as Britain, for example, there is a parliamentary committee that deals with intelligence issues. That is something we should consider for this country in order that public representatives can ask questions on important issues relating to the safety of people on the island.
The point raised by the Deputy is not unreasonable. However, the arrangements that are currently in place have served the State very well in countering threats to the security of the State over the years, particularly from terrorism and terrorist acts in the course of the Troubles during our lifetime. While public discourse and debate on terrorism, its impact on communities and threats to safety are welcome and valued, recent commentary citing either inadequacy or unprofessionalism on the part of the Garda or the Defence Forces authorities in dealing with these matters is both unfortunate and ill-founded. They have a proud record in protecting and defending the State from a sustained terrorist threat over many years, particularly from paramilitary groups. However, given the dynamic nature of security threats, especially from international terrorism, arrangements are kept under constant review, including the decision-making arrangements across the common areas of the State's security.
The Deputy will be aware that the final terms of reference for the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland were recently announced. That commission will inquire into policing in Ireland. It will also consider, among other things, all the functions carried out by An Garda Síochána, including the provision of security services to the State.
Garda Investigations
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:25. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will hold a public inquiry into the circumstances of the Jobstown trial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33392/17]
Are there any plans to hold a public inquiry following the outcome of the Jobstown trial?
As was mentioned by the Taoiseach in the House last week, the issues relating to the recent trial of persons, including Deputy Paul Murphy, involved in water charge protests in Jobstown have been considered and processed by the appropriate State authorities, which are established under the Constitution and by statute enacted by the Oireachtas. Following a Garda investigation and consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, the matter in question was brought to trial and a duly constituted jury of the accused's peers gave its verdict. It appears that this is absolutely in keeping with our system of justice and the separation of powers, which is designed to ensure fairness and equality before the law.
I am, of course, aware of various concerns and criticisms that have been made in some quarters about these matters. It is clearly inappropriate for this House to engage in a critique of the decisions or conduct of independent bodies such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions or, indeed, the courts.
Regarding concerns that have been voiced about the role of An Garda Síochána in this case, I note that An Garda Síochána is conducting an internal review of the policing response and subsequent investigation into this matter. Notwithstanding this review, Deputies will be aware that there are well established and independent structures for bringing complaints about the conduct of gardaí through the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC.
It is my view that this matter has been fully aired and brought to a conclusion before the courts, which are the ultimate arbiters of justice in this State. I, therefore, see no reason to establish any other form of inquiry into the matter.
In the course of the trial, Judge Greally told the jury that some testimony given by members of An Garda Síochána did not correspond with what was seen in the video evidence. In fact, during an RTE "Prime Time" interview the Taoiseach said it was a problem that Garda evidence conflicted with video footage. He said, "We need to be able to trust that when the gardaí stand up in court and they say something happened that it did happen and it shouldn't conflict with video evidence and if it does then that is a problem." We have a problem even by the Taoiseach's analysis. Nobody is arguing about the outcome of the trial, but it is important to examine the circumstances under which so many sworn witness statements contradicted video evidence. That is important not just for confidence in the Judiciary but also confidence in An Garda Síochána.
The Deputy appears to be basing his question on public commentary by the Taoiseach. I am aware of those comments. However, the key issue remains that this case was fully considered before the court and a verdict was returned after due and careful consideration over a lengthy period. This point was made by the Taoiseach at the outset. Regarding concerns that have been voiced about the role of An Garda Síochána in this case, a point raised by Deputy Jonathan O'Brien, these are operational issues and it is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and her management team to address these in the first instance. As I mentioned, the Garda Síochána is conducting an internal review of the policing response to, and subsequent investigation of, this matter. That review should be allowed to take its course before jumping to conclusions, as Deputies have done and as we heard earlier in the House. In the circumstances it is most unhelpful to the rule of law and the administration of justice.
In conclusion, if an individual wishes to complain about the conduct of An Garda Síochána there are mechanisms for doing so. I refer particularly to the role and function of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
Nobody is jumping to conclusions. We are trying to get to the bottom of the matter. An internal review is being conducted by An Garda Síochána. Will the findings of that review be made public? Is the internal review also examining how so many Garda statements could contradict video evidence? That is important.
Finally, I do not agree that the DPP is above critique. There have been a number of instances, particularly with regard to the death of Garda Tony Golden and the death of Shane O'Farrell, where serious questions must be answered by the DPP. I do not agree with the Minister's analysis that the office is above critique. It might be independent of the House but it certainly is not above critique.
The Deputy says he wishes to get to the bottom of the issue.
Addressing questions in this House is perhaps not the best means of getting to the bottom of the issue.
That is correct. A public inquiry would be the best means of doing so.
Deputy O'Brien will be fully aware that if any citizen, including a Deputy, is not satisfied with the manner in which he or she has been dealt with by An Garda Síochána, it is open to that person to contact the GSOC, the independent body charged specifically with receiving complaints from members of the public concerning members of An Garda Síochána. Contact with GSOC can be made at its offices at 150 Upper Abbey Street in Dublin or by telephone or email. All information regarding GSOC and its role, function and powers is available on its website.
Will the findings of the review be made public?
Rural Crime
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:26. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures being put in place to tackle rural crime, especially against farmers. [33149/17]
What measures will the Government introduce to deal with the ever-increasing problem of rural crime, in particular, crimes against farmers involving the stealing of agricultural equipment and other devices on their farms?
I assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the impact of crime on rural communities, including the serious damage done by organised gangs that target rural areas to engage in burglary and other property crime to which he referred.
As the Deputy will be aware, Operation Thor entails a broad range of activities to tackle organised crime gangs and other prolific offenders as well as working with communities to prevent crime in the first instance. This comprehensive operation is supported by the enhanced Government investment in Garda resources, including an additional allocation of €88.5 million for overtime in 2017. We have also invested heavily in the Garda fleet, with more than 720 new vehicles coming on-stream since the start of 2015, and a provision of €46 million has been made for new Garda vehicles under the capital plan 2016-2021.
The additional investments in policing make it possible to maintain and extend a range of intensive policing operations, including the continued targeting burglaries and related crime via Operation Thor. Under Operation Thor, there have been more than 74,000 targeted checkpoints and 52,400 crime prevention patrols across the State. This concentrated policing activity has produced in the region of 4,400 arrests and 4,900 charges covering a range of offences which, in addition to burglary, have included handling stolen property, possession of firearms and drugs offences.
It is encouraging to note that since the launch of the operation, the Central Statistics Office burglary figures have shown a significant downward trend. The 30% decrease in burglary for the 12 months of 2016 when compared with 2015 parallels the implementation of Operation Thor.
The Government has also made it a particular priority to strengthen our legislative provisions through the recent enactment of the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Act 2015 which is targeted at repeat burglars with previous convictions who are charged with multiple offences of residential burglary. This new legislation is now available to support the work being carried out by An Garda Síochána under Operation Thor.
The programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an essential feature of the strong community policing ethos which has long been central to policing in this jurisdiction. The Deputy will be aware that, as part of the overall strategy to oppose criminality, the Garda authorities pursue a range of partnerships with community stakeholders, including the farming organisations. A range of partnership initiatives have been established between An Garda Síochána and important rural-based organisations such as the Irish Farmers Association, Muintir na Tíre and other rural community groups. These include the well-established community alert programme, the work of the metal theft forum, the Crimestoppers campaign highlighting the theft of livestock, the Theftstop initiative relating to farm equipment and the highly successful Garda text alert scheme.
Underpinning all of these measures is the Government's commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. The Government is pursuing its plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Garda Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In 2017, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits, up to 500 civilians and approximately 300 members of the Garda Reserve. These appointments will support the wide-ranging reform plan is in train in An Garda Síochána and benefit policing services for all communities, whether in rural or urban areas.
Many party colleagues who represent rural constituencies mention to me the major problem of crime in rural communities, particularly that perpetrated against farmers through the theft of agricultural equipment. Deputy Cahill recently brought a delegation from County Tipperary to discuss with me ongoing crime issues in the county. This issue is not confined to Tipperary but affects all areas, especially in the countryside.
A recent survey carried out by one of the farming organisations showed that ongoing agricultural crime was creating significant costs to individual farmers who had been victims of these crimes. The statistics indicate that rural crime is costing €2.4 million per annum, with an average cost of €4,300 for each farming victim. Large numbers of farmers have had equipment stolen. They know that individuals come in to the community, case the area, spot where equipment is being kept and take it and other items required to run a farm, including diesel.
I note the Minister's comments on Operation Thor. While the operation has undoubtedly been a success, the problem has not been solved. The Minister refers to statistics showing a decline in the number of burglaries but if the figures are broken down, I do not believe they will show a decline in the number of burglaries in rural communities. This problem is faced by all members of the farming community and is becoming more significant. New measures are needed to deal with it.
I acknowledge the importance of community-based support groups and voluntary organisations, which continue to be assisted by my Department in many endeavours. I am familiar with the report to which the Deputy refers, which was compiled by the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association. I welcome the report and similar reports and look forward to giving all of them due consideration when they have been published or dispatched to me. The report to which the Deputy referred covers a period of 24 months beginning at the start of May 2014 and concluding at the end of May 2016, which includes a period of 17 months that predated the launch - in November 2015 - of the sustained drive against burglary and property crime being pursued by An Garda Síochána under Operation Thor .
I assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to make available to the Garda an appropriate level of resources to ensure that we continue to operate against a proliferation of rural crime and that the burglary figures continue to decline.
The information I am receiving from colleagues does not support the Minister's statistical analysis. It suggests that a significant problem remains and that the decline in crime, as indicated by the Minister, has not occurred. The Minister also indicated that he wishes to support community-based support groups. This support is important. The Minister will have received an email from the secretary of the Lisdoonvarna, Doolin and Kilshanny community text alert group, which has 223 paid up members. The email brought to my attention and that of other Deputies the fact that VAT is charged on texts being sent by a community group. We need to take innovative measures to ensure individuals who offer community based solutions to the problem of rural crime receive State support. It is not good enough to indicate that the Government will provide gardaí who will support people in rural areas. We must support individuals who are doing their best to pursue a community-based approach to protecting agricultural products. This could involve reducing or abolishing VAT on text schemes.
I confirm that I raised the specific issue of texts this morning in a conversation with the Garda Commissioner. We are considering new initiatives that could allow text messaging to be carried out in a way that is not unduly burdensome on communities.
I have made clear to the Garda Commissioner and in public that An Garda Síochána will continue to have all necessary resources to provide high visibility policing and tackle serious criminality in rural areas. An additional €88.5 million in overtime is to be provided this year to maintain an adequate policing response to the current situation on an ongoing basis in respect of concentrated policing targeting gang-related crime, continued targeting of burglaries and related crime via Operation Thor and continued support for measures against terrorism.
Coroners Service
Michael Harty
Question:27. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce legislation, as a matter of urgency, which will provide for mandatory and automatic referral of all maternity-related deaths to the coroner for inquest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33375/17]
I ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his plans to introduce legislation as a matter of urgency to provide for mandatory and automatic referral of all maternity-related deaths to the coroner for inquest and to make a statement on the matter.
I thank Deputy Harty for tabling this important question. As the Deputy will be aware, his colleague, Deputy Clare Daly, proposed a Private Members' Bill, entitled the Coroners Bill 2015, to address issues with regard to the investigation into maternal deaths. That Bill proposed to introduce mandatory reporting, post-mortem examinations and inquests into any maternal death. It also proposed the extension of the current scheme of legal aid to next of kin in respect of maternal death inquests.
The Government decided not to oppose that Bill on Second Stage. My predecessor subsequently met Deputy Clare Daly to discuss her concerns regarding the issue further.
Following that meeting, the Government approved the urgent drafting and publication of the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2017 to ensure that, as Deputy Harty stated, all relevant maternal deaths would be fully reported to and investigated by the coroner. The Bill will be based on the relevant sections of the Coroners Bill 2007, which completed Second Stage in the Seanad on 4 October 2007. The mandatory reporting, post mortem and inquest provisions of that Bill will be updated beyond maternal deaths to a wider listing of deaths to be reportable to a coroner. The 2017 Bill will also provide for legal aid for a family member at any inquest into a maternal death.
In order to address concerns previously raised by the Attorney General and others concerning the need to improve compliance with European Convention on Human Rights obligations in this area, I propose to address a limited number of other issues in the Bill so as to ensure that the coroner has sufficient and effective power to obtain relevant information in regard to maternal and other deaths. These powers were already included in the 2007 Bill.
Subject to the final advices of the Attorney General, I hope to be in a position to publish the new Bill early in the next session.
I acknowledge the contribution made on this issue by Deputy Clare Daly. It was also raised in the Dáil this morning by Deputy Howlin. This is a question of openness and accountability. It is not about apportioning blame for maternal deaths. Rather, it is about acknowledging what happened when there is a maternity-related death and to learn the lessons from that incident.
It is obviously a distressing and calamitous event for people when a mother or partner is lost. The failure to have maternity inquests is a glaring gap in our health and legal systems. We must have impartial investigations into all deaths. Families have to fight hard to have inquests held. There has been a limited number of inquests to date, with the verdict of medical misadventure applied to all of the deaths in question. As such, it is important that we put this on a statutory footing.
I agree with Deputy Harty that this is an important issue and one that I wish to address early in my tenure as Minister for Justice and Equality. I have had a number of meetings, one of which was with the Attorney General, in order to ensure that there would be no undue delay in having this Bill, which enjoys the support of the House along party lines and among Independents such as Deputy Harty. I regret that we will not be in a position to have the Bill debated in the House prior to the end of this session, which will be this week. I have made every effort to ensure that it will be worked on and drafted, sent to the Cabinet and signed off on at the earliest opportunity. With the agreement of the Business Committee, I hope that the House will be in a position early in the next session to enact the legislation.
Further issues with the 2007 Bill need to be addressed in order to strengthen the effectiveness of coroner inquests and improve compliance with our obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. These issues include the strengthening of the powers of the coroner to summon witnesses to an inquest and direct a witness to produce documents and evidence and answer questions, and the introduction of penalties in respect of non-co-operation.
I thank Deputy Harty for raising this matter. It is my intention that it will be progressed with all due haste.
I thank the Minister. He and many other Deputies are committed to the issue, as are the many city and county councils around the country that have debated it and endorsed the sentiment of having a mandatory and automatic inquest.
Will the Minister confirm that all maternity units are identifying all of their maternity deaths in their annual reports? Are national statistics being compiled on maternity deaths? A maternity death in a hospital is taken seriously by clinicians. They see it as a fundamental disaster and hospitals run internal investigations when there are maternity deaths, but we need openness, transparency and accountability when a maternity death occurs.
Will the Minister give a date for the legislation's publication and commit to introducing it in the Dáil at the earliest opportunity in the autumn?
I hope that the Houses will be able to deal with this matter in the early part of the autumn session. My understanding is that there is all-party support and support from the Independent benches. With that in mind, I hope that matters can be progressed at the earliest opportunity.
Regarding the Deputy's comment on maternal deaths and the compilation of figures, such deaths are thankfully rare events in this country, as Deputy Harty will know from his medical experience. Due to their seriousness, however, it is vital that they be carefully monitored, reported and investigated. In this regard, I will advert to the second report on Ireland of the confidential inquiry into maternal deaths, which was published in Cork in February 2015. It identified a total of 31 maternal deaths in Ireland over the 2009-2012 period. My information is that practically all of those deaths were reported to a coroner, but I take Deputy Harty's point. It is important that each and every such death is carefully examined and dealt with. I hope to have the legislation enacted prior to the end of the year.
Road Safety
Róisín Shortall
Question:28. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take to address the widespread problem of minors and others driving scramblers and quad bikes and the serious public safety threat that these pose; the steps he will take to address the lack of enforcement of road traffic legislation; the status of his Department's engagement with An Garda Síochána on this issue; and if he will draw up a strategy to address this issue. [33429/17]
I am unsure of how familiar the Minister is with this issue, but those of us representing urban constituencies are all too familiar with what is now a widespread problem, namely, the use of quad bikes and scramblers by youths and, often, young children. It poses a major danger to the riders themselves as well as to the public generally and renders many housing estates unusable for other purposes because of road safety reasons. A concerted Government response to the problem is now required.
I share Deputy Shortall's concern about the public safety and anti-social issues associated with the misuse of such vehicles. It is a serious issue. The Deputy will be aware that the use of mechanically propelled vehicles, MPVs, including quad bikes and scramblers, in a public place is subject to the relevant requirements of road traffic legislation. I am advised by the Garda authorities that these vehicles, when used in public places, must comply with the Road Traffic Acts, including in terms of motor tax, insurance and possession of a valid driver licence or learner permit. Under the Acts, any member of An Garda Síochána is allowed to stop an MPV in a public place and demand production of a driver licence. In addition, gardaí may inspect the vehicle for compliance with vehicle standards legislation, which makes it an offence to drive without reasonable consideration, in a careless manner or dangerously. The Garda authorities also have powers of seizure, detention, storage and disposal of vehicles under the road traffic code.
I am further informed that the use of quad bikes and scramblers in public parks and open spaces is strictly prohibited by local authorities under the 2011 parks and open spaces by-laws.
Despite the road traffic and other relevant legislation available in this area, the Garda authorities have indicated that the use of quad bikes and scramblers by minors and youths in public parks has proven difficult to deal with from an enforcement perspective. Garda members are instructed not to pursue youths on quad bikes, scramblers and so on owing to the inherent safety risk in pursuing these vehicles. If such pursuits were to take place, there would be a high risk of their ending in collisions at speed, resulting in serious injury or death. As a result, bringing these vehicles to a stop is challenging.
The Garda authorities further advise that the issue is one that is best addressed through a multi-agency approach. In that regard, gardaí are working with local authorities, including park authorities, to examine other solutions, such as engineering ones. Enhanced fencing and bike gates are examples of engineering measures taken to restrict access to parks.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to respond to Deputy Shortall on this issue. I understand its importance, particularly in urban areas, including this city.
I thank the Minister for his response. The problem is that it is exactly the same response we have been hearing for the past number of years. I and many other Members have raised this issue. We know it is against the law. Those vehicles are covered by road traffic legislation. I do not think it is widely known among parents who frequently buy these vehicles for their children as birthday or Christmas presents. There is obviously a need for an information and awareness programme to be run on it. There is a need for that kind of campaign to make parents aware they are breaking the law in buying these vehicles for their children.
There are two issues here. One is the use of the vehicles on public roads. As the Minister says, gardaí have been instructed not to pursue people driving these vehicles. That is absolutely understandable. It means the issue is not being policed at all. The second issue relates to public parks. There is no policing of it there because road traffic legislation does not apply there. We need a new response.
There are two issues raised by Deputy Shortall in the question. In the first instance she asks about raising awareness. I assure her the Road Safety Authority has again been asked to raise awareness of these issues in the context of the current summer climate, which obviously gives rise to a greater use - or, indeed, greater misuse or abuse - of these vehicles in urban areas. In response to Deputy Shortall's assertion that she has heard this all before and that the answer to the question is the same, I say that in order to better facilitate a multi-agency approach, I have written in very recent days to the relevant parties, including the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, the Garda Commissioner and the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners. I have done so in order to ascertain whether there are additional measures by way of legislation or regulation at local authority level with a view to finding solutions that can assist us in dealing with this issue in a more comprehensive manner than has been the case to date.
I requested an awareness campaign before Christmas and a press release was issued. We need to do something more substantive than that. I welcome the announcement the Minister has made today because it has to be a cross-agency approach and it has to happen at national level. There have been minor attempts to do it locally in local communities. Many of us experienced that in our own constituencies. There is a need for change in the law, particularly on awareness. There is a strong case for introducing legislation to prohibit the sale of these vehicles unless there is evidence provided of insurance, tax and driving licences. We need a concerted and co-ordinated approach because too many lives are being put at risk. There have already been some deaths. There have been several serious injuries. It also contributes hugely to the level of anti-social activity in many of our housing estates. I hope the Minister will move ahead with that kind of cross-agency approach. There is a need for a task force. I hope the Minister will give consideration to setting up such a task force.
I assure the Deputy that, having made contact with agencies and ministerial colleagues as I mentioned, I and my officials will co-ordinate a cross-departmental and multi-agency approach. It is important we examine every opportunity across a range of agencies and Government Departments to see how best we can work out a solution to what is a real and serious problem particularly in urban areas in Dublin. I am happy to keep the Deputy fully informed.