Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on introducing a special grade for community Gardaí with opportunities for promotion under a new organisational structure in order to strengthen and encourage a significant increase in the numbers of community Gardaí working in communities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47121/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The number of Community Gardaí has grown significantly in recent years. The total personnel strength attached to Community Policing at the 30th of November 2008 was 689, up from 452 at the end of 2005. That is an increase of 237, or 52%.

While these dedicated Community Gardaí carry out valuable specific duties in the community, it is important to appreciate that this supplements rather than supplants the efforts of all Gardaí in their work in the community. Community policing is at the heart of the work of the Garda Síochána and has been so from its foundation. Community policing in its broadest sense is the responsibility of every member of the Force, and I therefore do not believe that the case has been made for the creation of a special grading and promotion system. Indeed, there is a danger that such a discrete system, which could have the unintended effect of separating out community duties from general duties, could undermine the forcewide dedication to community policing.

In its report "Policing in Ireland — looking Forward" the Garda Inspectorate stated—

"The Inspectorate believes, however, that community policing should be more than a separate unit or operation within a police service. It must be the fundamental policing philosophy at the core of the organisation".

This is a view which I fully endorse. I know that the Commissioner places the highest value on the close links between the Garda Síochána and the community it serves, and I am sure that this will be reflected in the work currently under way in the Force in developing a new national model of community policing.