Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 646: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda divisions that will be merged in 2012 on a county basis, division by division; the implication of these mergers on Garda operations in each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1225/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts, proposals to alter the boundaries of a Garda geographical area are a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner. In that context I am advised by the Garda authorities that no Garda divisions will be merged in 2012.

The Garda Annual Policing Plan for 2012, which was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 5th December 2011, does, however, set out the Commissioner's proposals in relation to changes to the following Garda districts:

Meath Division - the Laytown District will merge with the Ashbourne District, and

Laois Division - the Abbeyleix District will merge with the Portlaoise District.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that the policing service currently provided to both Laytown and Abbeyleix will be maintained following these mergers and that they will deliver greater efficiencies in the deployment of personnel and other resources.