Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

To put the matter in context, I recently laid before the House the policing plan for 2012. This plan, prepared by the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, sets out the proposed arrangements for the policing of the State during the coming year. Under it, 31 Garda stations will be closed in 2012, while a further eight currently non-operational will be formally closed. The eight stations in question were all closed for refurbishment works on the watch of my predecessors. However, refurbishment works were never carried out. One of the stations has been non-operational but not officially closed since 1986. Corrandulla Garda station is one of the 31 stations due to be closed in 2012. As stated in reply to the previous matter, the public opening hours of ten Garda stations will be reduced. These stations are currently open to the public on a 24-hour basis, but in the future they will be open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day.

In reaching a decision on the closure of each of the 31 Garda stations in question the Commissioner reviewed all aspects of the Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. In addition, all divisional officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda station in their areas. Based on all the evidence, the Commissioner concluded that resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front line if these stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. This is a crucial point. As with every other public sector organisation, the Garda Síochána will be obliged to manage with reduced resources. Unfortunately, that is the legacy we inherited from the previous Government. The House will be aware that, under plans agreed by the previous Government arising from commitments made in the EU-IMF agreement, Garda numbers are being reduced. It is vital, therefore, that the best use be made of the available resources and, in particular, that priority be given to front-line operational duties.

It must be noted that Corrandulla Garda station is located in the Galway district which is in the Galway division. There are 257 gardaí assigned to the Galway district and approximately 600 to the Galway division. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by gardaí from national units such as the Garda national drugs unit and the National Bureau for Criminal Investigation. The Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of the Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service for the community in all areas, including Corrandulla. In the coming months local Garda management in places where stations are going to be closed will consult local communities in order to determine how best to continue to deliver a policing service in their area.

I take the opportunity to pay tribute to the Garda Síochána. I have complete confidence in the capacity of the force to continue to provide an excellent policing service in Corrandulla and throughout the country. Furthermore, the Commissioner should have the support of the House as he introduces necessary reforms to ensure Garda resources will be used in the most effective way in order that the best possible policing service will be provided for the public. Instead of manning Corrandulla Garda station for brief periods during the day, the officer to whom the Senator refers will be more available to carry out front-line duties.

The Garda stations which are being closed are all owned by the Office of Public Works. The Government is considering different possibilities in respect of different stations. Some will be sold and the proceeds utilised for a variety of purposes. Discussions are ongoing as to whether these purposes will relate primarily to policing matters or whether the money will in the context of the limited funding available to the State be put to other uses. Where appropriate, some premises may be utilised by other State agencies. For example, where they are in good condition, they could be used to provide mental health services or for community purposes. However, this will only be in circumstances where the State no longer retains a liability for their maintenance and refurbishment. In the context of some of the stations being closed, a proportion of the financial savings made will derive from the State no longer being obliged to pay utility costs on an annualised basis. I accept that at some stations these costs are relatively small. It must not be the case that the State will remain liable for incurring substantial costs for the refurbishment, maintenance or, in some instances, part reconstruction of these premises in the coming years. In that context, we must ensure we use our resources more efficiently.