Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 141: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will intervene on a matter (details supplied) in Dublin 16 regarding allocation of Garda resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25994/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. I have no direct function in these matters.

On the 30 April, 2012, a new national roster system was introduced on a pilot basis in An Garda Síochána. One of the main aims of the new roster system is to provide a better match between the availability of resources and policing demands thus ensuring the best possible service to all communities. The introduction of this new roster system resulted in the redeployment of certain Garda resources, including resources attached to the Community Policing Unit in the area referred to by the Deputy. While these resources have been redeployed to other working units, they continue to retain responsibility for liaising with Neighbourhood Watch and other Community Groups in the sub-district concerned as part of their normal duties and subject to operational demands.

The importance of the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community in preventing and detecting crime and maintaining a safe environment for everyone can never be over-emphasised and the pledge of An Garda Síochána is to continue to invest time and energy in those partnerships and relationships to the benefit of all.