Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which Garda strength and the operation of and at various Garda stations throughout the country continues to be monitored with particular reference to the need to ensure the retention of the maximum spread and location of Garda stations and personnel to ensure the adequacy of the authorities to deal with modern criminality with particular reference to the need to have a strong and visible presence in both urban and rural areas given the mobility of modern criminal elements to locate where a Garda presence is needed; if he will ensure that any revision or reorganisation of structures will have due regard for such fundamental issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39325/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Commissioner is committed to introducing reforms and efficiencies in the Garda Síochána with the objective of continuing to deliver an effective policing service within current budgetary constraints. New Garda rosters have been introduced, better matching the availability of Gardaí with policing demands. The Garda station network is being rationalised so as to strike the right balance between the optimum number of Garda stations and the most effective deployment of Gardaí on operational duties. New efficiencies are being introduced in the organisation of Garda Districts. In developing these and other reforms, and in the day-to-day management of the Force, the Garda Commissioner and senior Garda management are of course carefully monitoring the level, trend and distribution of crime.