Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the 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. [22498/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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On 30th June 2007 (the latest date for which Community Policing figures are readily available), the total personnel strength of An Garda Síochána was 13,361. The total personnel strength attached to Community Policing at that time was 565. This represents a percentage of 4.22% of the total strength of the Force.

Of course community policing involves more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána. All Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues. I agree with the view of the Garda Inspectorate, expressed in its most recent report, that community policing is a fundamental policing philosophy and that there is a strong foundation of it in Ireland. I welcome the review of community policing currently underway in the Garda Síochána and I look forward to its outcome.