Weekend events leave many questions unanswered

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health & Children, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Tuesday) said the events which unfolded last Saturday in the Phoenix Park have chilled Irish people to their very core, leaving many questions as to how or why such activity took place unanswered.

Deputy Buttimer went on to say that any drink and drug awareness programmes that are being taught in schools need to be ramped up and that parents have a crucial role to play in ensuring their children act responsibly.

“In the wake of the Swedish House Mafia concert in the Phoenix Park last Saturday, people have been left bewildered by the scale of what went on. As a result of the weekend’s events, a number of fatalities occurred and as many as 40 people were treated in A&E Departments across Dublin. Investigations are now being conducted into what exactly happened and whether or not the situation could have been prevented. In the meantime, eye witness reports about the level of drink and drug taking among those attending the gig are widespread.

“Our relationship with alcohol in this country has a long history of abuse. More troubling now is the fact that this prevalence for substance misuse is filtering down to our children, not only where alcohol is concerned but drugs too.

“If we do not take the steps necessary to deal with the imbalance in our cultural mindset, we are failing our children spectacularly. Minister Shorthall is attempting to address the below cost selling of alcohol in a bid to limit the access of young people to alcohol. Where drugs are concerned, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) is advising the Government on the prevalence and prevention of problem drug use. Minister Shorthall also recently launched the 2012 Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign which provides with a safe and confidential means of passing information on drug dealing to the Gardaí.

“These are tumultuous times, especially for our young people. We need to ensure that a focus is firmly placed in schools on drug and alcohol awareness programmes so that our children know exactly what they are dealing with. Parents must also be engaged on the issue to reinforce the message. I am deeply disturbed by what happened in the Phoenix Park at the weekend. We now need to turn our attention to getting to the bottom of what happen to ensure a repeat never happens again.”

Posted under Crime, Education, Justice & Equality, National Work

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has called for a collective response to ensure Cork city remains a safe place to live, shop, visit and work.  Deputy Buttimer was speaking after a meeting of the Cork City Centre Business Community Safety Forum.
 
“Latest crime statistics for Cork City show a reduction in property crime, theft, criminal damage and public order offences.  These are very welcome developments.  Figures show that the number of assaults causing harm across the city division has fallen by 20%; however the number of assaults in the city centre has increased.  Compared to the same period last year this year’s figures are up by 26%, albeit from a low base.
 
“The city centre is a vibrant place to live, socialise and work, it is a place where people feel safe.  Despite this it is disappointing that the number of assaults in the city centre has increased; this is a trend that must be reversed.  We all have a collective social responsibility to address the underlying causes.
 
“These figures were provided by the Gardaí at a meeting of the City Centre Business Community Safety Forum.  Gardaí suggested that the increase was due to the use of alcohol and other accelerants, it is a sign of increased aggression on our streets late at night.
 
“In Cork the Gardaí have increased their visibility in the city centre at key times.  If it wasn’t for this proactive policing approach I fear that the trend would be worse.  I commend the Gardaí for the work they are doing across the city, it is in the interest of everyone working and living in the city that this continues.
 
“Locally we must take action to make our streets even safer.  There must be continued engagement between the Council, Gardaí, alcohol retailers and security companies.  Co-operation and common purpose are essential in addressing the problems.  As an immediate step the city bye laws on the confiscation of alcohol being consumed on the streets must be implemented.  These initiatives are essential to enhancing our city, making it a better place to live, shop, work and visit.”
 
“As a society we must change our attitudes towards alcohol.  Over the years our alcohol consumption has increased, as a result alcohol related illnesses no longer only affect middle-aged and older people.  Healthcare workers are now seeing the impact of excessive use among younger adults.  To address these issues we must change our national attitude towards alcohol, we must end our tolerance of alcohol misuse.
 
“Earlier this year I launched a report on the misuse of alcohol and other drugs, this highlighted the social problems caused by misuse.  As chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children I have begun a process of engagement with Minister of State, Roisín Shortall TD, in developing policy based on the Committee’s report and that of the National Steering Group.  Key elements in this policy will be controlling alcohol promotion and pricing.”

Posted under Cork City, Crime, Health, Justice & Equality

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter, TD, that the government has given approval to appoint senior Gardaí.
 
“In the Dáil today I raised with the Minister the issue of replacing retiring senior Gardaí.  The Minister confirmed that the government has approved the necessary appointments, he also outlined that on-going reform in An Garda Síochána will maintain the excellent policing delivered by members of the Gardaí.
 
“For frontline Gardaí to maintain their effective service to communities across the country it is essential that we maintain a properly resourced leadership team.  The Minister has said that he has obtained government approval for the appointment of 2 Assistant Commissioners, 8 Chief Superintendents and 23 Superintendents in An Garda Síochána.  He has also secured sanctioning to fill the consequential vacancies at Inspector and Sergeant levels.  The announcement by the Minister will ensure that there is continuity of leadership at command level within the Garda Síochána.
 
“Today’s decision will ensure that the Government maintains supervisory and management ranks in An Garda Síochána.  It is a very positive development at this time and these appointments reflect the commitment of the Government to maintain supervisory and management ranks at the highest level possible.   It is also evidence that the Government does have plans in place for early retirements which will take effect at the end of February. 
 
“At the end of February it is anticipated that the strength of the Garda Force will be approximately at 2007 levels.  The appointments announced today and the on-going reforms should offer reassurance that local policing levels will be maintained.  Reform and reorganisation is key to continuing to deliver efficient policing.  I would commend all Gardaí for the significant reforms that have been introduced and for their continuing commitment to the local communities which they serve.”

Posted under Crime