Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposed closure of Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32616/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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A final decision on whether station closures will take place will be taken in the coming weeks when the Commissioner's Policing Plan for 2012 is finalised. That policing plan will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

I must stress that as with every other public sector organisation, the Garda Síochána is going to have to manage with reduced resources. The Garda Commissioner is therefore quite properly reviewing all aspects of the Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the operation of Garda stations, both in terms of opening hours and possible closures. The purpose of the review is to ensure that Garda resources are managed and deployed in the most appropriate manner to meet existing and emerging policing requirements.

I will very carefully consider the outcome of this review and the Commissioner's policing plan for next year with the objective of ensuring that priority is given to the maintenance of frontline services.