Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposed changes in policing due to commence in County Louth and east Meath in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 proposals, inter alia, to alter the boundaries of a divisional geographical area are a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. The 2008 Policing Plan contains the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda boundaries in a number of areas around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. This includes the separation of the existing Louth/Meath Division into two new Garda Divisions of Louth and Meath with Drogheda and Navan as the respective Divisional Headquarters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a detailed programme of work is currently being developed to implement these planned changes and includes plans for the distribution of personnel resources to the new Divisions.

The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account and the needs of the Louth and Meath Divisions will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of all Garda Divisions throughout the country.

Questions Nos. 199 to 202, inclusive, answered with Question No. 192.