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

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Thursday) welcomed the publication by the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, of the Thornton Hall Review Group Report which deals with, among other things, the overcrowding and physical conditions in Cork Prison.

“The Thornton Hall Review Group Report looked at the state of Cork Prison and examined the timeframe for the Kilworth Prison project. I am delighted that the Government has, in principle, accepted the Report’s recommendations and that the progression of Kilworth Prison will be on the agenda for discussion in the autumn when the Dáil reconvenes.

“It is worrying, but perhaps not all that surprising, that the Report found that Cork Prison should be closed at ‘the earliest possible opportunity’. Solace can be taken from the fact, however, that the Government will be prioritising discussions about a replacement prison at Kilworth when it meets to consider capital spending priorities for 2012.

“Overcrowding and poor physical conditions in our prison system have been the subject of numerous reports over the years. While I appreciate that funds are exceptionally scarce, it is in everybody’s interest that humane conditions are provided for our prisoners and that prison staff have a safe environment in which to work.

“The Report recommends that the proposed site at Kilworth should contain 200 cells with the capacity to accommodate up to 350 prisoners. It also proposes 15 step-down facilities to house 150 prisoners; an essential provision, in my opinion, in phasing prisoners out of the prison system and back into society.

“In recent years our prisons have been bursting at the seams as prisoner numbers soar. This has also led to a situation whereby an increasing number of prisoners are being granted temporary release. This is something that simply cannot be ignored.

“Yesterday in the Seanad, a key piece of legislation, the Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2011, concluded the legislative process. This will compel judges to consider community service in place of a sentence of 12 months or less, which will go some way to reforming our prison system and addressing the deficiencies that exist. I have no doubt that Minister Shatter is intent on doing just that.”

Posted under Crime