Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps the Gardaí are taking in an area (details supplied) in County Meath to reduce crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7607/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is in the Duleek Garda Sub-District which is under the control of the District Officer, Ashbourne.

I am further informed that the area is subject to regular patrols by local uniformed personnel, augmented by patrols from Regular Units and Detective Units from the District Headquarters of Ashbourne, together with the Divisional Traffic Unit and Regional Support Unit as required. Community support is maintained through interaction with local Community Gardaí and Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.

Local Garda management closely monitors such patrols, and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in these areas to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources to provide the best possible Garda service to the public. While the situation is being kept under review, Garda management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the communities in the areas concerned and that the current structures in place deliver an effective and efficient policing service.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner has put Operation Fiacla in place in order to address incidents of burglary, aggravated burglaries and related offences throughout the country. Operation Fiacla is intelligence driven and specific burglary initiatives have been implemented in each Garda Region to target suspect offenders. I am informed that as of 31 January 2013, 3,903 persons have been arrested and 2,142 persons have been charged with burglary offences under Operation Fiacla.

An Garda Síochána also places great emphasis on the importance of community partnerships such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch, in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Gardaí continue to invest time and energy in these partnerships and relationships to the benefit of all.