Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Garda Inspectorate 2014 crime investigation report identified issues that raised questions about the real value placed on community policing in the Garda Síochána and in regard to the inconsistency of approach to community garda. There are a couple of points I would like to make in that regard. The percentage of gardaí engaged in administrative and non-operational duties is noteworthy, with more gardaí in some administrative non-operational posts than in community policing units. Some districts have reduced the number of gardaí in community policing and others have removed all full-time community gardaí. Some community gardaí see their role as community engagement and not enforcement while others are investigating the full range of criminal offences, suggesting there is a lack of clarity in the role of a community garda. The role of community gardaí in regard to urban and rural crime cannot be over-estimated. The amount of information that can be gathered by a community garda in the prevention and solving of crimes cannot be under-estimated. The 2014 crime investigation report raises questions in respect of which I would like to hear the Tánaiste's response.

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