Written answers

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Garda Deployment

9:00 pm

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans in place to encourage gardaí to live in rural Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26148/07]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are a number of official residences for Garda use, mainly in rural areas and that it is the policy of An Garda Síochána to have Gardaí resident in official accommodation where this is appropriate. I am advised that the Garda Síochána plan to prepare a new Garda accommodation strategy and I expect that the requirements for official residential accommodation in the future will be examined as part of that strategy. I am further informed by the Garda authorities, who have responsibility for the detailed allocation of Garda resources and deployment of Garda personnel, that plans are continually monitored and reviewed so that optimum use is made of Garda resources and personnel to ensure that the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to roll out community gardaí in urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26153/07]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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On 30 September 2007 (the latest date for which figures are readily available), the total personnel strength of An Garda Síochána was 13,531. The total personnel strength attached to Community Policing at that time was 578. This represents a percentage of 4.27% 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. Community Policing is a central feature of current policing policy and members of Community Policing Units are encouraged to engage with the local communities where they are assigned. 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.

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