Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 439: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he will ensure that budgetary reviews currently undertaken by him will not result in a reduction or diminution of Garda cover having particular regard to existing and identified sensitive areas in regard to organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31568/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 440: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will ensure that current budgetary reviews in his Department will not materially affect the extent to which the resources of An Garda Síochána are available to meet the challenges of organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31569/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 443: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his proposals to ensure the availability of the maximum resources to tackle criminal gangland activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31572/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 439, 440 and 443 together. As I have indicated to this House on many occasions, tackling serious and organised crime, and bringing those involved to justice, is a key priority for the Government. At operational level the implementation of specific measures to deal with criminal gangs and their criminal activities is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

I also wish to make it clear that when it comes to the general allocation of financial resources to An Garda Síochána the Government is committed to maintaining frontline services. I will, of course, continue to engage with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the Garda budget for 2012 and beyond.

Garda management closely monitors the allocation of resources, including transfers and retirements, in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. Senior Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service continues to be delivered and that current structures in place meet the requirement to deliver an effective and efficient service to the community.