Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the crime prevention officer position in County Tipperary; if he intends to fill this post; the cost of the position; the current arrangements for crime prevention in County Tipperary; the amount spent on those provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4252/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation, and I have no function in the matter. Garda management closely monitors this 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.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the cost to the State of providing a Crime Prevention Officer consists of an annual salary at Sergeant rank which is in the range of €44,725 - €53,119 and a Crime Prevention Allowance which is set currently at €30.90 per week. This does not include the allowances, such as rent or uniform etc., which are available to all members. I am further advised that the crime prevention function of An Garda Síochána being provided to the community in Tipperary has not been adversely affected as crime prevention and personal security advice is being provided by appropriate Divisional resources and where more in-depth specialist advices are required, the services of the Divisional Crime Prevention Officer from the neighbouring Waterford Garda Division are utilised.

The cost of bringing a Crime Prevention Officer from Waterford to the Tipperary area comprises of occasional travel and subsistence expenses payable at the normal public service rates as applicable for An Garda Síochána and any overtime expenditure which may be incurred in respect of extra duties as required. A detailed breakdown of this expenditure is not readily available.