Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The latest available figures show that there are 630 members of the Garda Síochána assigned to community policing, compared to a total attested strength of 13,755. This represents 4.58% of the total strength of the force. As with any large organisation, these figures can fluctuate from day to day, for example, due to promotions, retirements and transfers.

While this is the number of gardaí specifically assigned to community policing, all gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single unit within the Garda Síochána and I agree with the view of the Garda inspectorate, expressed in its most recent report, that community policing is a fundamental policing philosophy and that there is a strong foundation for it in Ireland.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to decide on the prioritisation and allocation of resources within the force. Against this background, he is reviewing arrangements within the Garda Síochána for community policing. I welcome this and I look forward to its outcome and to hearing what the Commissioner proposes for the future development of community policing.

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