Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cars damaged and reported to An Garda Síochána on 9 November 2007 at a location (details supplied); the number of gardaí assigned to the area; if anyone has been apprehended for this incident; the outcome of the Garda investigation into a similar incident in the same area on 19 November 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32504/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 9 November, 2007 nine incidents of criminal damage to cars in the area referred to by the Deputy were reported. Two juveniles have been arrested in relation to the incident and an investigation file is being prepared for the direction of the Law Officers. I am also informed that following a Garda investigation into a similar incident on 19 November, 2006 four persons were arrested and subsequently convicted.

I am further informed that the personnel strength of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Central Division on 30 November, 2007 was 707. The personnel strength of the Bridewell Garda Station on 30 November, 2007 was 185. Two Community Gardaí are specifically assigned to the area referred to. This service is augmented by regular uniform and plain-clothes patrols, including the Detective Unit, the Divisional Task Force and the Divisional Drugs Unit. Special operations are put in place when deemed necessary by Garda management.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel taking all aspects of policing into account. Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. The situation will be kept under review by the Commissioner and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of the Bridewell Garda Station will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.