Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 684: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the expansion of the community Garda scheme in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26812/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in the matter. 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.

While all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with Community Policing issues as and when they arise, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the total number of dedicated Community Gardaí in the Meath Garda Division on 30 April 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14. The personnel strength of the Meath Garda Division, on the same date, was 296. There are also 29 Garda Reserves and 26 Civilians attached to the Meath Garda Division. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units.