Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing spate of burglaries in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he recognises that the area is within easy reach of those with criminal intentions from the city and therefore especially vulnerable; if he will arrange for increased Garda presence particularly as the festive season approaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26848/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are aware of a number of burglaries in the area referred to.

I am further informed that uniform and plain-clothes personnel, including District Detective and Drug Unit personnel, supplemented as necessary by District and Divisional Traffic Corps personnel, carry out patrols and checkpoints in this area. Crime prevention patrols have also been conducted in the area as part of Operation Anvil which is targeting persons suspected of involvement in organised criminal activity and theft-related offences.

I am advised that crime trends and the allocation of personnel are closely monitored and kept under constant review by local Garda management, who are satisfied with the current availability of personnel to patrol this area.

However the situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Carlow/Kildare Division will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts and Divisions throughout the country.