Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Commentary on the Guerin report has rightly focused on the failings of the Garda Síochána on specific issues and in specific cases. What has gone mostly unremarked upon is the Mr. Guerin's criticism of how a lack of resources has contributed to the problems we are dealing with today. Chapter 2 of the report highlights that no inspector was allocated to Bailieborough Garda station during the relevant times. That chapter also describes the station building in Bailieborough as a relic of policing of a different age. The report also highlights the problems of inadequate Garda resources in neighbouring localities, increasing the pressure on already stretched Garda resources in Bailieborough.

The same situation exists in several Garda divisions. Resources are stretched to their maximum and some areas are significantly more disadvantaged than others. These include areas that have had a consistent population growth over the past decade or two, such as Meath, Wexford, Laois, Offaly and Kildare, which is the worst in terms of the ratio of gardaí to population and is significantly below the national average.

It is significantly below the national average. This is supposed to be dealt with in the policing plan each year. If one measures the demographic changes and the CSO crime rates, as I have done, the only conclusion one can draw is that the policing plans are a work of fiction.

I sought a meeting with the former Minister for Justice and Equality to talk to him about this but he told me it was the exclusive responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. I then sought a meeting with the Garda Commissioner who told me he would not meet me but he put me on to the Assistant Commissioner who I had met previously. He had told me that the strategy in regard to resources was that in each division one holds what one has, so there would be no movement. That is a particular difficulty at a time of embargo.

What function will the new independent Garda authority, which is due to be up and running later this year, have in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel? Will it deliver a police service which will be able to meet and respond to be the changing needs or will we see the same situation apply but under a different Garda Commissioner?

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