Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the proposed closure of Whitehall Garda station, Dublin 9; the reasons for this closure; the way that this district will be re-organised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39533/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In making his recommendations on the closure of each of the 31 Garda stations in question, the Commissioner reviewed 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. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda Station in their area.

Commenting on the closures, the Commissioner said that the Garda Síochána had decided that resources could be better deployed and a more effectively used on the frontline if these particular stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained.

The Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to the community. In the coming months local Garda management, in places where a station is going to close, will consult with local communities to determine how best to continue to deliver a policing service in their area.

Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 300: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the factors that were considered by the Garda Commissioner in recommending the closure of Goleen Garda station, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39581/11]

Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda Commissioner considered in his decision to recommend the closure of Goleen Garda station, County Cork, the fact that the population in its operational area trebles during the months of May to September and the number of holiday homes and caravans that are empty during the other months of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39582/11]

Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 302: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Garda Commissioner considered in his decision to recommend the closure of Goleen Garda station, County Cork, the known use of the bays, coves and harbours in its operational area that have been used for the illegal importation of illegal substances and contraband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39583/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 to 302, inclusive, together.

In making his recommendations on the closure of each Garda station, the Garda Commissioner reviewed 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. In addition, all Divisional Officers were asked to assess the level of activity in each Garda Station in their area.

The Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to providing a professional and effective service to the community. In the coming months local Garda management, in places where a station is going to close, will consult with local communities to determine how best to continue to deliver a policing service in their area.

Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the services that are provided to the public at a Garda station that is open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39584/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the level of services provided at a Garda Station will vary in order to meet the requirements of the local community and may, in addition to the provision of policing services, include the following:

- Insurance claims for lost property

- Passport applications

- Age Card applications

- Firearms Licence applications

- Proof identity forms e.g. for use in opening bank accounts

- Fingerprinting

- Receiving and returning lost/found property

- Witness signatures for replacement documents e.g. vehicle certificates of ownership, lost N.C.T certificates, etc

- Signing of forms for obtaining driving licences, including medical and eye test

- Facilitate persons using postal ballots

- Facilitating the Out of Hours services provided by social care personnel

- Reporting of Missing Persons/Children

- Place of safety for persons at risk

- Facilitating the reporting of crimes

- Key Holders can record their details at the Garda station for premises

Members of the public may also seek crime prevention advice at a Garda Station. Members of the public may, when required, produce driving licences and certificates of insurance at a Garda Station. Sometimes members of the public who are granted bail by the Courts or may be granted temporary release from Prison are required as part of the conditions of the bail/temporary release to 'sign-on' at a designated Garda Station. Members of the public who attend a Garda station as victims of crime are provided with a place of safety while they seek advice and receive details of victim support groups, such as the Irish Tourist Assistance Service for tourists.