Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 243: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the numbers of community Gardaí in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 20 in each of the years 2000 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7234/07]

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 represents an increase of 44, or nearly 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 the 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 neighbourhoods and 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 Community Policing. Areas which have not had regular contact with the 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 being carried out and it is anticipated that the review will be completed in 2007. This review will take into account 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 the Garda Síochána's corporate strategy. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Palmerstown area of Dublin 20 is covered by Ronanstown and Clondalkin Garda stations. The personnel strength of the Community Policing Unit in the stations on 31 December 2000 to 2006 was as follows:

The Deputy should appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that four Community Gardaí have been assigned to the Palmerstown area in each of the years 2000 to 2006. I know that the Garda Commissioner will take full account of the needs of Community Policing in his allocation of the considerable increase 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.