Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 138: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the implications for the management of policing projects such as the new community policing model and major operations such as those into the Crumlin/Drimnagh and Limerick gangland feuds and so on, of the recently introduced pension levy, cuts to overtime, recruitment and promotions embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14197/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Commissioner that the introduction of the recent levy as a result of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act does not impact on any policing operations of An Garda Síochána and also that the maximum amount of policing resources have been allocated to front line policing and that overtime budgets are primarily focused on intelligence led, time limited operations.

In this regard the Deputy should be aware that despite pressure on resources, funding for Operation Anvil has increased in 2009 from €20 million to €21 million. In addition to this the personnel strength of An Garda Síochána is expected to reach approximately 14,900 by the end of this year.

The Commissioner has committed to the introduction of community policing in all 112 districts in the country. For some districts this will be a new initiative while for others a re-invigoration of the existing community policing structure will be required. The roll out is supported by a robust Implementation Plan developed by the Community Policing Implementation Team at Garda Community Relations Division. A comprehensive Strategic 'Action Plan' has been developed for the successful implementation of the Garda Síochána National Model of Community Policing.

Intelligence-led operations are used to target organised crime groups by utilising specialist units including the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Organised Crime Unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Targeted intelligence-led operations such as Operation Anvil continue to result in significant seizures of firearms and property related to criminal activity and have led to the arrests and prosecutions of those involved.