Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 839: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the breakdown of the number of Gardaí in Coolock, Raheny, Howth and Malahide Garda Stations; the number of community Gardaí; his plans to increase this number in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11352/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the stations, including those assigned to Community Policing, referred to by the Deputy is as set out in the following table.

The latest dates for which figures are available for the numbers assigned to Community Policing and the personnel strength of Garda Stations are the 31st December, 2007 and 29th February, 2008 respectively. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual divisions, districts and stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

Community Policing involves more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána and 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.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Stations referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.