Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 498: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to replace resources at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Donegal which is down in numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9198/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in that process.

Notwithstanding this, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Newtowncunningham Garda Station on 31 January 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 2. Newtowncunningham Garda Station forms part of the Letterkenny Garda District. The personnel strength of Letterkenny Garda District on the same date was 164.

While there is no getting away from the reality that public expenditure and public service numbers have to be reduced in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, the Government is committed to maintaining frontline services at the highest level possible.

Garda management will continue to closely monitor the allocation of resources, including transfers and retirements, in the context of 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 and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.