Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality following the announcement of the closure of a number of Garda Stations around the country, the extent to which it is anticipated that new rostering or other measures is likely to manifest itself in a greater degree of Garda visibility and or mobility; the extent to which this is expected to assist in the fight against organised crime and anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55683/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he expects the new rostering arrangements for An Garda Siochana to manifest itself in the form of the availability of extra Gardai on patrol particularly in the wake of reduced numbers in the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55684/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 345 together.

The Commissioner's Policing Plan for 2013, which I laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 5th December 2012, sets out details of the closure of 100 Garda stations throughout the country, the future opening hours of other stations in Cork and Dublin and a number of District amalgamations. It is important to remember that while some Garda stations are listed for revised opening hours from 24 hour stations, they will remain as functioning Garda stations on a 24 hour basis. The full list of these details is available in the Policing Plan which is available in the Oireachtas Library.

These changes to the delivery of policing services provide for effectiveness and efficiencies through a programme of restructuring and reconfiguration of service delivery methods. They are supported by changes to work practices within the new rostering arrangements which were introduced on a pilot basis last April.

The new Garda roster is designed to better match the availability of Gardaí with policing demands at national and local level, while also safeguarding the welfare of members. This and other reforming measures seek to maximise the efficiency of the Garda Síochána so that, even with reduced strength, an effective community-led, high-visibility policing service will continue to be delivered across the country. The new roster system has already increased Garda visibility in communities.