Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent changes to Garda divisional boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21145/08]

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, which was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, contains the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda boundaries in a number of areas around the country to make them coterminous with the functional boundaries of local authorities.

The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees. The revision of the Divisional Boundaries is taking place in conjunction with a realignment of the Garda Regions leading to a more streamlined operation. For example, the Eastern Region will now encircle the Dublin Metropolitan Region and all border counties will become part of the Northern Region and will fall within the remit of Assistant Commissioner, Northern Region. This will more easily facilitate dialogue with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on matters of a policing nature. I am advised by the Garda authorities that project boards have been established in each division to develop implementation plans to create and rollout the new divisions. The relevant Project Boards are managing all tasks associated with each individual rollout.

The Commissioner has also indicated in the Policing Plan that an examination of Divisions and Districts within the Dublin Metropolitan Region will be conducted in 2008 for the purposes of alignment with the local authority areas and in light of demographic and infrastructural changes in the region