Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the Garda Station in Caherciveen, County Kerry; if the status of the station is being down graded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28406/12]

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.

I have been informed by the Commissioner that the strength of Cahirciveen Garda station on 30 April 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 21. Cahirciveen is one of the Garda District Headquarters in the Kerry Garda Division and has a total complement of 40 Gardaí from the 305 assigned to that Division. The District is supported by 3 civilians who provide administrative and technical support to members of the Garda Síochána. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units.

Any changes in the opening or closing of Garda stations must be highlighted by the Commissioner in his annual policing plan which is submitted to me before November of each year. The Policing Plan for 2013 has not yet been prepared and therefore it is not possible to say at this stage what it may contain although I expect that it will contain measures to address the ongoing issue of rationalisation of the Garda station network.