Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 969: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a community garda (details supplied) has been removed; the measures he will implement to address rising crime rates in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18198/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the areas referred to by the Deputy are policed by Gardaí attached to the Galway Garda station in Mill Street. As of the 29 February 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 210 Gardaí, stationed in Mill Street. While the number of dedicated Community Gardaí in Mill Street station is 12, under the current model of Community Policing all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with Community Policing issues as and when they arise. These figures are further augmented by 30 Reserve Gardaí and 15 Civilians assigned to that station.

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. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored 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.