Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will examine the way Garda districts communicate between each other; his views on whether there is a great degree of inflexibility within the way Garda stations communicate and deploy their resources; for example someone living near Williamstown in North Galway had to wait for two hours for Gardaí who are based at Tuam 23 miles distant, but could be on a call out as far east as Headford, to come to their assistance, while just four miles away two Garda squad cars sat outside the barracks in Castlerea; if he will consider introducing a similar system to that used by taxi firms to maximise the use of their resources. [36997/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed that all calls within the Galway Division are dispatched from the Divisional Control Room at Galway Garda Station using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. The introduction of the Computer Aided Dispatch System in the Galway Division has significantly improved management of human and mobile resources within the Galway Division. The objective is to ensure that calls are responded to in a timely and professional manner, and Garda management in the Galway Division are satisfied that the procedure for responding to calls within the division is of the highest standard. This procedure is constantly monitored and reviewed and where deficiencies are highlighted immediate action is taken to correct.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that Williamstown is situated within the Tuam Garda District which is divided into two Garda administrative areas, the headquarters of which are located at Tuam Garda Station and Dunmore Garda Station. The Dunmore administrative area covers Dunmore, Glenamaddy, Williamstown and Ballymoe Garda Stations. The Tuam administrative area covers Tuam, Headford, Corrofin, Barnaderg, Miltown and Kilconly Garda Stations. When a Garda member in Williamstown is not on duty, cover is provided by Garda personnel on duty in Dunmore Station where there is one patrol car stationed. Calls pertaining to the Dunmore administrative area are responded to by Garda personnel stationed in that area. However, where necessary, Gardaí from the Tuam administrative area can also respond to calls in the Dunmore area. The rostering of Garda personnel in the Dunmore area ensures that there is a member on duty at all times.

Finally, as the Deputy implies in his question, Castlerea Garda Station in the Roscommon Division is, geographically, the closest District Headquarters to Williamstown Garda Station. I am advised that Gardaí in the Tuam District liaise closely with members from the Castlerea District and regularly share information pertaining to policing matters, crime patterns, criminals etc. operating in the area. The members from Castlerea District also assist members in the Dunmore administrative area when requested. Garda management assures me that this cooperation will continue to exist into the future.