Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I thank both Deputies for raising these matters. In particular, it provides me with an opportunity to address the position on the important topics that have been highlighted. The Deputies will be aware that under plans agreed by the previous Government - supported by Deputy Healy-Rae's father - it is part of the Government's obligation to comply with the terms of the EU-IMF agreement. Under the terms of that agreement, Garda numbers were to be reduced from 14,500 in 2010 to 13,500 by the end of this year, and by a further 500 to 13,000 by 2014.

This is a situation the Government has inherited and it is not of its own making, nor is the financial and fiscal disaster brought on the country by the previous Government. In the context of the framework within which we must operate, the reduction in Garda numbers is inextricably linked to the extremely difficult economic conditions which continue to face the country.

At the same time, I want to assure both Deputies, and the House generally, that it is a priority for the Government to maintain Garda front line services at the highest possible level. In the circumstances, it is entirely appropriate that the Garda Commissioner should carry out a review of An Garda Síochána's capacity to operate with reduced resources. The review to which the Deputies have referred remains incomplete.

The Commissioner has indicated that, in conjunction with his senior management team, the review is continuing to be undertaken. Additionally, he has confirmed that his primary focus in the review will be to ensure that Garda resources are managed and deployed in the most appropriate manner to meet existing and emerging policing requirements.

The Commissioner's review is examining all aspects of current policing, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations. Clearly, an examination of the opening hours, and in some cases the viability, of stations form part of the review. These are important operational issues which must be addressed by those best placed to make informed decisions based on a professional assessment of how best to meet the policing needs of the country as a whole.

The closure of some Garda stations will be a question the Commissioner will have to address as part of the review process. In that connection he will have to consider whether, in appropriate cases, a better policing service could be delivered to a local community by having Garda members out on patrol rather than in a station. That being said, I wish to make it fully clear at this juncture that no decisions of any nature have been made in regard to the closure of any individual Garda stations, contrary to what has been suggested this afternoon. I am looking forward to receiving the Commissioner's proposals which will be directed towards maximising Garda efficiency as well as prioritising in difficult financial circumstances the resources available for operational front line policing.

In the context of the overall situation as detailed by both Deputies the crucial issue is that we maintain front-line services, that the resources provided to An Garda Síochána are used as efficiently as possible and that we maintain and continue to maintain law and order. I have the greatest respect for the efficiencies and capacities of the Garda to do so. It is worth noting in the context of reduced numbers that the reductions that must be effected by 2014 will return the Garda force to numbers as existed in 2006. No one suggested in 2006 that the force could not fulfil its obligations and duties and I have no doubt it will continue to do so. However, an assessment of how resources are to be used is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I await the completion of the review and his recommendations and advice of the action he intends taking.

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