Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to increase the number of community gardaí here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7739/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Community Gardaí on 31 January 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available was 706. All Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as and when the need arises. In that sense, community policing involves far more than a single member or unit within the Garda Síochána, and I agree with the view expressed by the Garda Inspectorate in their third report entitled "Policing in Ireland—Looking Forward", that community policing is a fundamental policing philosophy and that there is a strong foundation for it in Ireland.

I was present at the recent opening of the new Ballymun Garda Station where the Commissioner launched a new National Model of Community Policing for An Garda Síochána. This new model will build on the success of existing good community policing practice and I look forward to the implementation of this plan. A national community policing office will be established within Garda Community Relations Section and every district officer throughout the country will take ownership of community policing within their area of responsibility. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The issue of Community Gardaí will be kept under review within the overall context of policing requirements nationwide.