David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The Tánaiste sends her apologies because, unfortunately, she cannot be here today.

The Deputy will be aware that following the completion by An Garda Síochána of a comprehensive review of its district and station network, the Garda district and station rationalisation programme gave rise to the closure of 139 Garda stations in 2012 and 2013 and the amalgamation of 32 districts into 16 larger districts. That review was undertaken with the objective of identifying opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation. The review concluded that a revised district and station network commensurate with the organisation's resource base would best meet public demand.

The Tánaiste has been informed by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front-line gardaí to be managed and deployed with greater mobility and flexibility and in a more focused fashion, especially with regard to various targeted police operations.

In November 2013, the Gorey district was amalgamated with the Enniscorthy district, resulting in an enlarged Enniscorthy district. I understand that no station within the former Gorey district was closed. The Garda authorities have confirmed to the Tánaiste that the district officer at Enniscorthy, in conjunction with the inspector at Gorey, ensures that the policing arrangements within the Gorey area are effectively managed on an ongoing basis and that there is no diminution in the policing service provided within the context of existing available resources in the area. Local Garda management continues to monitor the allocation of resources closely to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and to ensure the best possible policing service continues to be provided to the public. This situation will be kept under review.

Having said that, the Government has recognised in A Programme for a Partnership Government that community policing is the embodiment of An Garda Síochána. The Government envisages the force providing a means of recognising that every community, urban and rural, has its own concerns and expectations. The document commits the Government to ensuring visible, effective and responsive policing in every community, including through ensuring the most minimal response times possible.

In support of this objective, the Deputy will be aware that the Policing Authority has been asked to oversee a review of the dispersal of Garda stations in rural areas as well as in developing urban and suburban areas. The purpose is to ensure an efficient and optimum geographical distribution of stations and minimal response times. The review will take account of station closures since 2012. I note what the Deputy said about the growth of the area in question.

These measures cannot be viewed in isolation from the Government's overarching commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. In furtherance of these aims, in July 2016 the Government approved the proposal from the Tánaiste for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Garda Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In addition, the Government's capital plan for 2016-21 provides €205 million for investment in Garda information and communications infrastructure and €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet. Taken together, I believe the above measures reinforce the Government's commitment to enabling significant reform in An Garda Síochána and to allowing the force to provide a high-profile and visible policing service for our communities.

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