Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding Toomevara Garda station, County Tipperary; if he will address the concerns of the local community who fear that the retiring garda will not be replaced; the steps being taken to fill this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6754/12]

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 that process. Notwithstanding this, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Toomevara Garda Station on 31 December 2011, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 2. Toomevara Garda Station forms part of the Nenagh Garda District. The personnel strength of Nenagh Garda District on the same date was 60.

While there is no getting away from the reality that public expenditure and public service numbers have to be reduced in the context of the agreement with the EU and the IMF, it is our intention to maintain frontline services at the highest level possible.

Garda management will continue to closely monitor the 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.