Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take action to ensure a high visibility Garda presence on the streets of Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11855/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Tallaght Garda Station as at 31 March, 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 179.

An unprecedented increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána is continuing in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, with an intake of approximately 1,100 recruits per annum. In addition, there is a significant expansion under way in the number of civilian staff being made available to the Commissioner.

Tallaght Garda District is patrolled by foot and mobile patrols from that Garda station, including uniform and detectives units, the Community Policing Unit, the District Drug Unit and the District Traffic Corps, with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area. There are also four Juvenile Liaison Officers allocated to the area. The Garda District personnel are supplemented, as required, by resources from the Divisional Crime Task Force and the Divisional Traffic Corps.

A Mountain Bike Unit is also based in Tallaght District, consisting of six bikes, which are actively used by members of the regular Garda units and the Community Policing Units.

The Community Policing Unit consists of 2 Sergeants and 22 Gardaí. These Gardaí liaise closely with communities through schools, businesses, churches, community centres and other community groups in the area. Members of the Community Policing Unit operate Garda clinics for one hour per week, in conjunction with the Anti-social Behaviour Unit of South Dublin County Council.

When necessary, and to support more serious investigations being conducted in the District, expert assistance is also available from National Units, including the Garda National Drugs Unit, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Technical Bureau and the Operational Support Units, including the Garda Air Support, Mounted, Water and Dog Units.

I am informed that local Garda management constantly monitor criminal activity and crime levels within the District and Division and the allocation of personnel is kept under regular review to ensure the provision of a policing service in the area.

Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.