Seanad debates

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

6:00 pm

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for his intervention the week before last on behalf of the residents of Melrose Park, Kinsealy in Fingal, who were flooded. His assistance there was very much appreciated.

There is grave concern in Malahide, Kinsealy and Portmarnock about the review being carried out in the Dublin metropolitan policing area. It has been reported that Malahide Garda Station is part of the review list. It is a significant station with 33 gardaí. It has been there since the foundation of the State and was an RIC barracks before that. The population of the area is 25,000, and growing. The closure or restriction of Howth Garda Station is also being talked about. This would mean the entire local authority area of Malahide and Howth, with 50,000 residents, would not have a Garda station.

The only thing I was ever involved in closing in Malahide was a head shop. The gardaí were very helpful in that matter. I assume the Government will not preside over the closure of Malahide Garda Station.

I am aware of the review. The closure and rationalisation of Garda stations has largely been reported as a rural issue. This is not the case. Garda stations in Whitehall, Howth, Malahide and other urban locations are also threatened.

Can the Minister of State confirm to the people of Malahide, Kinsealy and Portmarnock that the station in Malahide will continue as a 24 hour and seven day a week station, that its hours will not be restricted and that it will not be closed and its functions transferred to Swords?

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, I apologise to Senator O'Brien for the fact that the Minister is not here to take this issue, in which the Senator has an enormous interest. I thank him for raising it. As with every other public sector organisation, the Garda Síochána will have to manage with reduced resources. The House will also be aware that, under plans agreed by the previous Government as part of its compliance with the terms of the EU-IMF agreement, Garda numbers are to be reduced.

The Garda Commissioner has therefore quite properly been reviewing 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, in terms of opening hours and possible closures. The purpose of the review is to ensure that Garda resources are managed and deployed in the most appropriate manner to meet existing and emerging policing requirements and to maintain Garda front line services, which is entirely consistent with Government policy.

Clearly, an examination of the opening hours, and in some cases the viability, of stations forms part of this. In that regard the Garda Commissioner is considering whether efficiencies could be introduced through rationalisation of some Garda stations and revised arrangements for the delivery of local policing services.

A final decision on whether station closures will take place, and if so what stations, will be taken in the context of the Commissioner's draft policing plan for 2012 and will be announced shortly. Therefore, I cannot directly answer Senator O'Brien's question on behalf of the Minister. His answer will depend on the Commissioner's policing plan, which I understand will be announced shortly. The policing plan will also be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. I presume colleagues will have an opportunity to debate the matter at that stage, either in committee or in plenary sessions of the Houses.

Before I conclude I would like on behalf of the Minister to pay tribute to the Garda Síochána. The Minister is fully aware that its members will bring their professionalism to bear on the task of identifying efficiencies and in looking at new ways to maximise the effective use of resources. The Minister is confident that the Garda force will continue to maintain the confidence of the public and operate successfully as it has been doing so effectively since the foundation of the State.

The key objective in this matter is to maintain numbers so that the front line is not affected by an obvious rationalisation or new efficiencies which might be brought to bear. I am sure that is the ambition of us all.

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)
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I know the Minister of State gives this response on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, and I do not criticise him. However, the answer given does not even refer to the Garda station about which I asked and gives no comfort.

I will continue to pursue this matter. In my area, Garda stations in places such as Skerries have already been restricted. The Minister's reply tells me we will have further restrictions and closures. I would bet my house on that, on the basis of the Minister's answer.

The Minister of State said the draft policing plan for 2012 will be announced shortly. Does he have any information as to when that will be?

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Unfortunately, I cannot confirm when that will occur. My understanding is that the policing model for 2012 which will include all the information the Senator seeks will be announced shortly. I will ask the Minister's office to revert to the Senator on what "shortly" means. I appreciate the point made that we need some assurance on this. People need to know where they are going. The Garda Síochána in particular need to know what is in store if they must organise their front line to ensure they maximise their resources. The sooner this happens the better.