Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the scope of the current impact assessment process being undertaken on the demands placed on each Garda station district and station in County Donegal; if he will outline the likely date for the conclusion of these assessments; if there will be any public consultation on this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33604/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware of the process leading up to the publication of the Commissioner's policing plan for each year. That process has not yet been completed for the policing plan for 2013 and it is therefore not possible to state what it will contain although I do expect that it will contain proposals for the further rationalisation of Garda stations and Districts. In this regard, each Regional Officer is tasked with conducting an impact assessment on the demands placed on each Garda district and station within their region.

The overall operational effectiveness and resilience of the Garda Síochána is also being examined and covers such areas as the broad range of policing activity and resources including courts, escorts, protection posts, station opening hours, training, contracts / procurement, civilianisation and specialisation and partnerships with other agencies to enhance overall efficiency in the justice system. The objective of this review is to identify opportunities to achieve further efficiencies in the Garda Síochána while at the same time ensuring that the commitment of An Garda Síochána to the community is not diminished. The analysis of the assessment findings from the Northern Region, within which the Donegal division is located, is awaited. The Garda Commissioner has reiterated the commitment of An Garda Síochána to continue to provide a professional and effective policing service within the prevailing economic conditions. However, the Garda Síochána is not immune from the harsh economic realities which are impacting on the community and the public sector alike.