Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 12: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí currently assigned to community policing; if he will confirm that this represents less than 4% of the overall strength of the force; his plans to increase the number of community Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6827/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of designated full-time Community Gardaí assigned at 31 December, 2005 and 2006 was 453 and 497 respectively. The 2006 figure is almost 4% of the current personnel strength of An Garda Síochána and represents an increase of 44, or 10% in the number of Gardaí assigned to community policing duties over the previous year's figure. Of course all uniformed Gardaí carry out community policing functions.

The term Community Garda describes a member of An Garda Síochána working full-time in a specified area and assuming responsibilities and performing duties which relate to that area.

It is designed to give local neighbourhoods/ communities a more personalised and comprehensive Garda service. By its nature, it is the cities and larger towns which benefit most from the adoption of Neighbourhood/Community Policing. Areas which have not had regular contact with An Garda Síochána get the opportunity to know and build up a relationship with a member of the force.

A review of Community Policing in Ireland is currently being carried out and it is anticipated that the review will be completed in 2007. This review will take into account of international best practice in this area.

When completed, the finished review will inform a National Model of Community Policing, which is a Strategic Goal in An Garda Síochána's Corporate Strategy.

I know that the Garda Commissioner will take full account of the needs of Community Policing in his allocation of the very considerable increase currently under way in the strength of the Force. The attested strength has increased by well over 2,000 since June 1997 — which is more than 20% of an increase. There are now more than 14,000 attested members and recruits in training and this means that Community Policing and other operational areas in the force will continue to grow in strength.