Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the extent, if any, to which he has monitored the reported various categories of crime to each garda division throughout the country over the past three years; the steps he will take to tackle the issues arising of any particular heading; if it is intended to increase Garda strength at the various locations which have shown increased levels of crime; if it is intended or expected to bring staffing levels in growing urban areas or rural areas adjacent up to the highest levels in terms of ratio to general population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42974/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Each year I determine priorities for An Garda Síochána, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005. These priorities inform the annual Garda Policing Plan. I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management throughout the State closely monitors patrols and other operational strategies in place, in the context of crime trends and the policing needs of the community. This monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. Where necessary, dedicated initiatives targeting specific crime types are implemented to prevent, detect and reduce such incidents.

Garda management is aware of the importance of Garda personnel levels and the allocation of additional personnel to local communities. This issue is raised on a regular basis with senior Garda management at Regional and Divisional levels, in particular at the Joint Policing Committees. At my request, the Garda Síochána Inspectorate carried out an inspection of resource allocation, including personnel, in An Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Inspectorate published the report earlier this year, and its recommendations are currently being examined by the Garda Commissioner and his senior management. The Commissioner, with his senior managers and Divisional Officers, arranges for the allocation of Garda personnel throughout the State. Garda management is aided in this by a distribution model known as the Garda Establishment Redistribution Model (GERM).

I am advised by the Commissioner that this model indicates the most effective distribution of Garda personnel and acts as a guide to Garda management decision making. It takes into account many different policing variables, including crime trends, socio-economic factors, and census information. The allocation of Garda personnel takes account of these factors and in addressing the policing requirements of each individual Division.