Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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200. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to expand the role of community policing and increase the numbers of gardaí involved in community policing in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7425/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution, direction and control of all personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

The Deputy will be aware that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with Community Policing issues as and when they arise. I have however, been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of dedicated Community Gardaí, in each Garda Division in the Dublin Region, on 31 December 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is set out in the table hereunder.

An Garda Síochána 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 the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. An Garda Síochána continues to invest time and energy in community partnerships and relationships and this involves participation in a wide range of local fora, including Joint Policing Committees and through partnership programmes such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch.