Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The decision to close 100 Garda stations in 2013 was the result of a comprehensive operational assessment carried out by the Garda Commissioner over a 12-month period and proposed in the Commissioner's policing plan for 2013, which I laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. The plan contained the Commissioner's proposals for the continued re-organisation and consolidation of the Garda station network. It is, of course, a matter for the Commissioner to put the necessary policing measures in place to take account of the closure of Garda stations.

In that context, the Garda authorities have indicated that, where stations have been closed in 2013, a comprehensive set of revised structures has been put in place. In particular, the Garda authorities have emphasised that the force is continuing to support the relevant communities through the clustering of services at policing hubs. This centralisation has facilitated the introduction of enhanced patrolling arrangements that, in turn, provide increased Garda visibility as well as maintaining existing links with communities, both rural and urban. The objective is to ensure that the best possible policing service will be made available to our communities. I should add that the closures yielded the freeing up of over 160 Garda members in 2012 for operational policing duties. Moreover, the Garda authorities have indicated that the consolidation measures for 2013 will result in an extra 61,000 Garda patrol hours. The overall result is that a very wide range of measures have been implemented to take account of the closure of stations and I am confident that, arising from the consolidation process which is taking place, An Garda Síochána will continue to provide a professional, efficient and effective service to communities throughout the country.

With regard to the provision and deployment of Garda vehicles, the Deputy will appreciate that decisions in these areas are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of his identified operational demands and in the light of available resources. In that regard, the Deputy may be aware that currently the Garda authorities are rolling out a supply of 170 new vehicles, which have been procured by means of an additional allocation of €3 million that I made available in 2012. These vehicles are being deployed on the basis of operational needs, including the revised policing arrangements for areas.

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In addition, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the financial provision of €5 million in the Garda budget for the purchase and fit-out of Garda transport in 2013 will enable the Garda to obtain a significant number of new vehicles. Arrangements are being made to place the order for the new vehicles, which the Deputy can be assured will be deployed as effectively as possible in line with the Garda's operational requirements.

This represents a considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, the Garda is provided with sufficient resources to enable it to provide an effective and efficient policing service.

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