Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 543: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí participating in bicycle patrols in the Dublin north area; the breakdown of stations which operate these units; the duties these officers perform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32310/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are currently 36 members of Garda rank trained for mountain-bike duties in the DMR Northern Division. There are 21 mountain bikes currently on issue and they are assigned to the following stations in the D.M.R. Northern Division: Santry, Whitehall, Ballymun, Raheny, Clontarf, Howth, Coolock, Swords, Malahide, Balbriggan and Skerries.

The Garda Commissioner has also informed me that local Garda Management has discretion to allocate members to patrols as local policing needs arise. Gardaí employed on bicycle patrol are engaged in routine patrols in residential and business areas in the Division to prevent and detect crime, anti-social behaviour and to address public order and traffic problems. Community Gardaí also use mountain bikes to patrol on their community beat. Members on mountain bike patrols perform duties as directed by their supervisors which include active patrolling of public-order hot-spots, the detection of crime and other offences, including the prevention of anti-social activity. Members on these duties may also be employed on duties at venues or sporting events which are likely to attract large numbers of members of the public.