Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

143. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate policing is available throughout County Kildare notwithstanding the effects of the economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28575/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of demographics, crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

I have however been informed by the Garda authorities, that the personnel strength of the Kildare Garda Division on 30 April 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 318. There are also 26 Garda Reserves and 29 Civilians attached to the Kildare Garda Division. Divisional resources are further augmented, where necessary, by a number of Garda National Units such as the Garda National Drugs Unit (GNDU), the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and other specialised units.