John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to his decision to close 31 Garda stations, if he will outline the basis for deciding on these particular stations; the person or body that took these decisions; the criteria which applied in respect of these decisions; the consultation, if any, which took place with Garda representative organisations; if he will outline the way these decisions will impact on staff working at the 31 stations and when they will be notified of same; and if he will engage with Garda personnel as a matter of urgency to address their many concerns in this regard. [40001/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Each year the Garda Commissioner prepares a Policing plan which must be submitted to me for approval and any plans the Commissioner has in relation to the closure of Garda Stations must be detailed in that annual policing plan. As the Deputy is aware, the 2012 policing plan provides for the closure of 31 Garda stations throughout the country and the formal closure of a further eight non-operational stations. Details of these developments were formally conveyed to organisations representing staff interests in An Garda Síochána shortly before they were publicly announced. In making his recommendations, 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. Garda management will continue to engage with the organisations representing staff interests on how this decision will be implemented, and there are mechanisms in place in An Garda Síochána to facilitate discussions on any concerns their members may have.