Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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739. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will reconsider the policy of closing rural Garda stations in view of the reports that none of the stations have been sold and only €3,000 has been saved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12902/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the closure of the stations was proposed by the Garda Commissioner in his Policing Plans for 2012 and 2013. The key objective involved was to promote the more efficient and effective deployment of resources rather than to secure modest cash savings. In this context, the Commissioner has concluded, in relation to certain stations, that Garda resources could be better deployed and more effectively used on the front line if the stations no longer had to be staffed and maintained. In making his recommendations on the closure of Garda stations, the Commissioner reviewed all aspects of An Garda Síochána's policing model, including the deployment of personnel, the utilisation of modern technologies and the overall operation of Garda stations. I fully agree with the Commissioner's conclusions in these matters. Garda stations form part of the portfolio of State properties owned and maintained by the Office of Public Works. In that context, the sale of Garda stations is a matter for that Office.