Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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385. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to an increase in reported crime in an area (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the action the Garda intends to take to reduce it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53059/13]

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 Ashbourne Garda District. I am further informed that Garda data shows a reduction in most categories of criminal offence in the District, in line with the national trend, including a reduction in Burglary and Related Offences. The area in question is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes crime prevention patrols, which are augmented by the Detective Unit, Community Policing Unit together with the Divisional Traffic Unit and the Regional Support Unit as required.

Local Garda Management closely monitors such patrols, and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the community to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. An Garda Síochána also places great emphasis on the importance of the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. In this regard, community support and engagement is facilitated in the area in question through interaction by Gardaí with Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in particular.

Garda Management is satisfied that a full and comprehensive policing service is being delivered to the community in the area concerned and the situation will be kept under review with paramount consideration given to the needs of residents.